Digital First Programme explained

The DFPC programme was formed as part of the national initiative to improve access to general practice. Maximising the use and adoption of digital technology is also a key aspect of the five-year primary care system plan: the Greater Manchester Primary Care Blueprint

In establishing the programme, the team worked closely with two primary care networks (PCNs) in Greater Manchester to try and understand the operational and patient service benefits associated with digital transformation.

Working with two PCNs with differing levels of digital maturity and capabilities, was important in informing the DPFC strategy. These pilots gave valuable insight into the journey and essential steps in digital transformation.

A patient checking their heart beat via a smart phone. AdobeStock_415359005 from Adobe stock photos from https://stock.adobe.com/uk/
Two female members of staff discussing work at a computer screen in a GP surgery. AdobeStock_504072595 from Adobe stock photos from https://stock.adobe.com/uk/

The DFPC Programme aims to:

  • improve patient access to GP services so patients can easily access the advice, support, and treatment they need using digital and online tools
  • improve staff ways of working
  • optimise capacity management in general practices and PCNs
A woman checking her apppointment details via her smart phone. AdobeStock_476604365 from Adobe stock photos from https://stock.adobe.com/uk/

A phased approach to implement improvements

Th DFPC Programme has adopted a phased approach to implement improvements as shown below.

Understand

Understand the current digital landscape within GM and identify issues, best practice and patient experience

Reimagine

Design ‘what good looks like’ for using digital tools effectively based on insights from the Understand phase

Implement

Identify priorities and codesign a delivery plan with localities, support change and adoption through training and communications and to support practices implement improvements

The DFPC Programme is currently in the implementation phase and is aligned with the national GP improvement programme launched in June 2023.

The Programme team has continued to build strong relationships with general practice, PCNs and leaders across the region, advancing digital access to primary care services in Greater Manchester.

Digital First Primary Care team

As part of the whole DFPC team, 17 Primary Care Digital Facilitators are collectively supporting PCNs and practices to implement improvements by:

  • providing hands on advice, guidance, 1-2-1 coaching and training to support local digital transformation initiatives
  • working in partnership with local authorities and the VCSE sector to promote the NHS App across Greater Manchester by supporting face-to-face engagement events in communities. This has made a huge difference to people who did not know these services were available, or how to access them digitally
  • delivering a shared goal of promoting digital inclusion and encouraging patients to actively take part in their own care

Primary Care Digital Facilitators have contributed towards some excellent outcomes by working together and supporting each other to improve the digital front door in general practice.

DFPC priorities

Digital First Primary Care priorities

Projects in scope

Over the next 12 months, the priority projects in scope are focussing on supporting primary care transform digital access to improve patient experience and access so patients get the right advice at the right time in the most efficient way possible.

Digital First Primary Care projects in scope

The results Digital Facilitators are achieving through engagement with practice staff and patients is phenomenal. There’s considerable increase in NHS App usage, practice websites have been improved, and a Digital Champions network has been established in each locality. This team has gone through their own transformation. They are now empowered to empower the staff and patients they work with – taking time to help them embrace the opportunities that digital offers.

Dr Gareth Thomas, Digital Innovation Director at Health Innovation Manchester and NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care

The team have enabled a step change in the understanding of how to maximise value from the range of digital assets at their disposal and have facilitated a much needed uplift in capability over a relatively short period of time.

Malcolm Whitehouse CBE MBA FBCS, Chief Information Officer, Digital and IT Services, Senior Information Risk Officer, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care

For more information, contact Kal Panchal, DFPC Programme Director, kal.panchal@healthinnovationmanchester.com.

Meet the team