110 likes | 285 Views
Borders Carers Information Strategy: Work with GPs Fiona Morrison Jack Ingle Stephen Bermingham 3 rd February 2010. NHS Borders Carers Information Strategy. Built on the good work already achieved in the Borders through the Joint Carers Strategy
E N D
Borders Carers Information Strategy: Work with GPsFiona Morrison Jack Ingle Stephen Bermingham3rd February 2010
NHS Borders Carers Information Strategy • Built on the good work already achieved in the Borders through the Joint Carers Strategy • Aims to further develop and support for carers by making sure front line staff are aware of their needs and what support exists for them • The major gap identified in drafting both of the strategies was the level of support to carers via GPs • A lack of awareness was recognised by GPs themselves when they all but one signed up to the Direct Enhanced Service for carers • This opened the door for the Carers Centre and with support from local GPs we arranged a half day awareness and training session for GPs
GP Training • This session was over subscribed a key theme coming from GPs was the lack of knowledge and information they had on carers issues • The day was co-presented with a number of volunteer carers sharing their experiences – this was particularly well received • One of the GPs wrote to us to say; “the highlight for me was the panel of carers who spoke about their experience and the difference that the Carers Centre can make on their lives”
Action Plan • Working more proactively with GPs’ to help them to: • Identify hidden carers • Keep their carers registers up to date • Pass on information about assessments • How and when to refer carers • Provide up to date annual information on their plans and methods of identifying and supporting carers
Identification of Carers by GPs • Stage 1: Carers identified though a number of channels • Stage 2: Agree with the carer to have a “carers flag” on their file • Stage 3:Additional information provided by carer • Stage 4:Discuss with carer what support is needed & make referral • Stage 5: Referral to Carers Centre
Carers Centre Services Provided • Advice, Information and support • Adult carers support groups (generic) • Newsletter • Home visits • Training for carers • Training for professionals • Complimentary therapies • Access to counselling • Social events • Benefits advice • Grants and funding • Advocacy • Carers information pack • A voice in planning of local services • Young Carers groups • 1 to 1 support for young carers • Activities for young carers • Support through hospital discharge
Carers Identification Pack • A copy of the ‘Identification of carers by GPs’ flowchart for use by referring practice team members • A template Carers Identification / Consent form which can be used by practices for their recording purposes and for referral to Princess Royal Trust Borders Carers Centre • The Carers Centre information on the services they provide • An ‘Information for Carers’ pink handbook was developed • ‘Carers Self-Assessment and Record of Need’ packs
Impact of GP Referral Project • Referrals from GPs to the Carers Centre • 2007: 9 • 2008: 95 • 2009: 195 • Post training their was an upsurge in requests from GPs for Carers Information Packs • The demand for the packs was due to an increased in awareness amongst GPs of the needs of carers
GP Feedback from Training Day • Very positive with all saying it was very good or excellent • “prior to the training there was a lack of awareness amongst primary care staff as to carers issue and the Carers Centre” • “by understanding their needs we are better equipped to provide a decent service to carers” • “Knowing the Carers Centre is there for carers makes me feel less impotent”
Feedback cont • “it was really humbling to listen to the carers experiences and a good lesson learned” • “the GPs I spoke to afterwards all felt that what they had learned a great deal and would improve their future practice when dealing with carers”
Key Messages • CIS funding has helped promote partnership working to support carers • Information is most effectively delivered though a combination of training, ongoing contact and support • Involving carers in raising awareness has a significant impact on health care professionals • Carers now receive a better service from GPs due to working relationship with the carers centre • Need to build on the success of the CIS as carers expectations and GP referrals have increased Any questions?