The Process of Collaboration: Producing Joint Guidance For GPs On Reducing Health Inequalities

1. The Process of Collaboration: Producing Joint Guidance For GPs On Reducing Health Inequalities Dr Ayesha Ali, University College, London Dr Una Macleod, University of Glasgow Dr Nat Wright, University of Leeds Ms Maggie Rae, Wiltshire PCT Abstract This poster illustrates the process that was undertaken to develop national guidance for GPs on reducing health inequalities. Introduction Important links have been established between the RCGP Health Inequalities Standing Group (HISG) and the Health Inequalities Unit (HIU) at the Department of Health. These have lead to the decision to produce joint guidance for GPs on tackling health inequalities. This short, accessible document which will demonstrate the ways in which GPs can positively influence the health inequalities agenda. The guidance will contain examples of good practice, relevant national guidance and links to useful tools and agencies. It will also recognise the innovative nature of primary care and that different ways of working are already reducing inequalities all over the country. Methods Common goal between HIU & HISG to work in partnership to highlight the issue of health inequalities to GPs (STRUCTURE) Workshop of GPs, academics, civil servants, lay members to generate ideas & priorities (PROCESS) HIU & HISG co-author initial draft Workshop group provide additional input Guidance to be distributed by RCGP Winter 2007 (OUTCOME) Involvement of devolved administrations in providing examples of innovative work. Decision to adapt guidance for each ‘nation’ being taken by relevant health departments Scoping paper on guidance accepted by RCGP Council Workshop facilitated using Pinpoint technique which encourages and empower everybody in a group to contribute, create and commit to an agreed action or outcome. Pinpoint involves everybody, from start to finish, regardless of status or speciality. It also breaks down barriers to communication. Difficulties in getting examples of good practice • Role of the HISG • Head of HIU attended HISG meetings • HISG chair principal co-author • HISG members attended workshop & • Provided feedback and good practice examples • Discussion • The joint RCGP/DH guidance on reducing health inequalities has been developed using a successful model of collaboration. It is due for publication in Winter 2007 and will cover six main areas : • GPs and individuals • GPs and the primary care team • Practice based commissioning • Engagement with the PCT • Working in partnership with other organisations • Influencing the national agenda • Potential actions for GPs & others • Develop a practice ‘aspiration’ profile • Know local resources • Understand the HI’s and needs of the local population • Tackle HI through PBC • Work in partnership with other practices • Prioritise • Invest time Acknowledgments Many thanks to the HIU, HISG and all the workshop attendees who helped with this project. Figure 1. An example of the output from one workshop group “How can GPs develop the primary care team to reduce health inequalities?” Contact details Dr Ayesha Ali. E-mail : ayesha.ali@ucl.ac.uk . Phone : 0207 679 5616