Action learning sets and digital

When implementing the ‘Joy’ social prescribing caseload management tool for use across a whole Integrated Care Board, colleagues from the NAPC digital programme introduced Action Learning Sets to support with successful implementation and adoption.

The approach taken with the Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW), was that of systems modelling (Holden et al. SEIPS 2.0) with the focus for the Action Learning Sets (ALS) delivery on Tools & Technology, People, and Tasks, across multiple action learning sets.

Benefits

• The benefits of facilitating the ALS to this structure, is that it opened the conversation to wider issues at play when digital implementation works for or worries a SPLW.
• ALS provides a confidential space where participants can openly discuss challenges without fear of judgment.
• Participants develop critical skills such as active listening, questioning, and reflective practice, which are valuable in any professional setting.
• Participants receive coaching and feedback from peers with different backgrounds and experiences, which can lead to innovative approaches to the digital solutions being implemented.
• The structure of ALS encourages participants to follow through on their action plans, promoting accountability, offering the change to go back to their working environment and to champion the changes that may be required to drive improvement.
• ALS helps build connections beyond one’s immediate working organisation, fostering a broader professional network and community of practice.
• The ALS were introduced within the first 12 months of digital implementation across the ICB, this to ensure that all workforce members across the geographical area underwent their six weeks of supplier trainer offering first.

What were the key takeaways from the sessions:

• How to better engage with the supplier, and feedback on the training sessions.
• How to feedback on end user experiences, and challenges faced, or concerns with quality of the product (or non-conformities in process) that may cause risk.
• How to continue to enhance wider workforce understanding of the benefits associated with SPLW, and the role they offer to citizens and local communities.
• How to link Care Navigation and their continuous upskilling, to SPLW caseload, and appropriateness for access
• Consider how to use wider healthcare professionals such as SPLW as ‘digital champions’ both locally and across the ICB, those with direct end user experience.
• What good looks like in terms of peer-to-peer support for SPLW, when introducing new technologies, and understanding of impact on time and resources to do so.
• How to view and understand dashboards, and the data that adds to the story of success, and the link between that and wider system decisions
• Prior to the ALS there was an ICB wide standing operating procedure (SOP) created to support standardisation and consistency in approach, so ensuring that SPLW continually check the workflow/process to ensure it is still fit for purpose and functional without work arounds.
• Understanding and phasing functions of technology and tools, to ensure wider understanding and confidence during roll out.
• Consideration for ICB wide framework on the scope of caseload, aligned to the skill mix of the role, and ensuring the technology support the approach.

What did the participants think of the sessions:

• Participants felt their input was valued.
• While it was initiated through digital implementation, it covered the broader SPLW agenda.
• The ALS were excellent and very engaging and educative.
• Improved understanding of the digital tools and why they are being used.
• Highly informed sessions, with some very insightful conversations
• Realised the importance of sharing concerns or issues with colleagues.
• Would recommend these sessions to SPLW to help build a community of practice, and feel more connected, and enable them to influence further digital choices.
• Well delivered, motivating, enjoyed the sessions.
• Said they not only participated but was listened to.