Our focus is create opportunities for positive behaviour change that reduces the impact of deprivation. This does not only apply to health and lifestyle, but to working practices.
We create new and innovative solutions that support and improve positive patient outcomes. Our service design team is led by Dr Julien, who is accredited under the North East Transformation System (NETS) model used by NHS North East to lead continuous quality improvement. NETS balances the components of vision, compact and method to deliver real change.
In 2004 we explored the willingness of GPs and their teams to share the care of substance misusers. The research informed a consultation skills training programme for GPs, practice nurses and pharmacists. The research also led us to develop a new model and service for improving Shared Care. In 2008 we conducted focus groups in 57% of practices in South Tyneside to explore their experience of Shared Care. Our analysis primarily focused on drug misuse, but alcohol was a key issue for most respondents.
First Contact: a new model for engaging GPs in Shared Care.Network, Issue 14 May 2006.
In 2009 we designed evidence based tools that are aimed at the "five minute market", i.e. professionals who only have a five minute window of opportunity to make a difference. They are simple, effective, easy to learn and easy to deliver. SCIP© tools are currently available for Alcohol, Smoking, Weight Management, Active Lifestyles, Stimulant Use and Benzodiazepine Misuse.
In 2010 were awarded the 'NHS Bright Ideas Award 2010 - IT & Software Category' for www.makesahealthychange.com.
Within the current health agenda, encouraging people to change, and manage this change for themselves, is absolutely crucial. However, the social demographic spectrum that this encompasses is enormous. The challenge is therefore how to address the gulf between those for whom change is not important and those for whom it is paramount - yet either don't know where to start or have started and failed 101 times already.
Makesahealthychange.com is unique because its self evaluation approach is applicable to anyone and everyone faced with the need to address their lifestyle choices. It gently challenges those for whom change is not important - almost daring them to try it - yet at the same time is able to encourage those who want to change, but for whatever reason lack the confidence.
The sites uses a simple evidence based technique to facilitate informed decision making, empowering people to make the changes they want to get "the future they choose". This makes a healthy change from generic information giving or the directive approach: "you really need to stop..."
In developing makesahealthychange.com, we have taken the concept of a motivational consultation out of the consulting room and onto the internet, replicating as close as possible the direct and personal interaction between clinician and patient. This interactive process is genuinely engaging and empowering, enabling people of every demographic and psychological profile to embrace change in order to live healthier, happier lives. Moreover, it enables health based organisations to integrate this change process into their own services seamlessly and cost effectively.
If you would like to talk to use about designing a new model of care or redesigning an existing service then contact us.