Lucy Cusack
PCN Lead Nurse
SVMP / Gosport Primary Care Network (PCN)
The Challenge
Lucy noticed her practice was repeatedly seeing the same patients which made it difficult for other patients to access appointments for different conditions. Healthcare staff were spending large amounts of time each day with patients who, given the right support, could self-manage. Lucy believed that streamlining triage and offering group consultations would save time, however she faced significant resistance to her proposed service changes from both patients and staff.
86% of patients felt they had better access and time with the healthcare team from a group consultation.
The Innovation
Lucy developed monthly group consultations for diabetic patients with her Healthcare Assistant (HCA) colleagues. Feedback has been positive, helping patients feel heard, learn about their condition, and self-manage. This has freed up many appointments for other conditions. Lucy is expanding this model to other disease groups that could benefit.
The Impact
- Patients: Improved the quality of their care through a personalised care approach with peer-to-peer support
- Practitioners: Staff now have more time to spend to focus on patients with more complexities
- System: Increased appropriate referrals to the National Diabetic Prevention Programme
