In this article the RCP’s experts give their thoughts and reactions on some of the recommendations of the recent report by NHS England’s Accelerated Access Collaborative and Beneficial Changes Network.
NHS England’s Accelerated Access Collaborative and Beneficial Changes Network has commissioned a review into the lessons learnt from the pandemic and recommends how necessary changes can become everyday practice. The review highlights a range of key issues including greater inclusion to address health inequalities, clarity of purpose and personalisation of services.
You can see the full report and list of recommendations here.
Eddie Kinsella, chair of the RCP Patient and Carer Network:
'I was pleased to see so many lived experience voices contributing to these recommendations – when things need doing at pace, such as occurred during the pandemic, it can be easy to lose this. Designing care with people, not for people, is part of what produces positive outcomes, whether it is a new care model or a new research project.’
Prof Carol Brayne, chair of the RCP advisory group on reducing health inequality :
‘It is vital that NHS England and the wider health and care system take greater account of health inequalities when designing and delivering healthcare, working across sectors. The pandemic has shown that these go far beyond the health sector, with housing and working environment being crucial to differential outcomes too. Only a cross-government strategy can address health inequalities and move towards better health and wellbeing for all.’
Prof Cheng-Hock Toh, RCP academic vice president:
‘Culture change is hugely important but often so hard to achieve – at least at pace. An inclusive culture should extend to all parts of the NHS. Our survey of members found that there was unequal access to research amongst some doctors who were keen to be more involved. Unfortunately it extends further than this and patients have regional inequality of access to research, which can even be seen with national high-profile studies such as RECOVERY. The report goes to the heart of the matter when it says that research needs embedding as part of routine care.’
Dr Wajid Hussain, RCP clinical director for digital health:
‘The pandemic has shown the power of new technology to deliver healthcare in innovative ways. Remote healthcare has worked brilliantly for many patients, but we must ensure the digitally excluded are not left behind. A greater ability to share anonymised patient data has also enabled better more joined-up care, and this shift must be embedded long-term while protecting patient confidentiality.’
Dr Sarah Clarke, RCP clinical vice president:
‘A blend of recommendations in this report is important to consider when planning local care. Ensuring new models of care can take into account local and national priorities, individual care planning, data sharing and leadership all have a role to play. We have seen some fantastic innovation and collaboration happening at local level during the pandemic and it would be a shame not to learn from it. ICSs can play a big role in delivering better more integrated care but relationships and individuals on the ground can be make or break.’
