Joined up data, joined up care
Qualitative research with ICS data leaders
Understanding Patient Data (UPD), in collaboration with the NHS Confederation and its ICS Network, commissioned White Tail to undertake research to understand the use of data within Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). We spoke to executive data leaders and technical specialists at a range of ICSs to explore the current state of data sharing and use in local health and care systems, what the main opportunities are, and what leaders see as the main challenges to achieving their goals. We then convened a roundtable of local data leaders in order to set and develop a set of policy recommendations to support progress in this important area. Our report can be read on the UPD website, here.
Research approvals for a medical device trial
Coordinating medical device research in North West London
As a Faculty Member of the National Association of Primary Care, Chris recently led the research approvals process for a medical device trial on behalf of North West London ICB. Working with his fellow investigators, he developed the research protocol to enable the ICB’s desire to pilot the Daye diagnostic tampon in 8 GP practices as an alternative cervical screening offer aimed at boosting take-up and reducing inequalities. He then developed all research documentation required by the HRA, oversaw the Research Ethics Committee(REC) application process, and successfully and gained approval for the work to proceed. Chris has also overseen community engagement to inform the study design and will be leading the user research and formative evaluation strands of the project.
National strategy research on Men's Health
Qualitative research with a wide range of men
Chris is currently delivering national strategy research on Men’s Health with The King’s Fund. This project, for the Department of Health and Social Care, is supplementing a national call for evidence to inform the first ever UK Men’s Health Strategy. Working with Professor Paul Galdas at the University of York, the team is designing and delivering desk research and focus groups with a wide range of men across England.
Regulating ICS Engagement Activities
Expert advice on evaluating public involvement
Chris was invited to join a small expert team by the public participation specialists, Involve, to provide advice on ICS engagement activities. The team were tasked with guiding the CQC on considerations around evaluating and regulating how integrated care systems engage with and involve patients and the public in their provision of services. Chris was selected not only for his engagement expertise, particularly with regard to research methods, but also his detailed understanding of ICS policies and obligations. Involve’s report, informed by the expert team, can be read here.
Digital transformation in primary care
Formative evaluation of a five-year programme
The National Association of Primary Care engaged White Tail to conduct a formative evaluation of a digital transformation programme in an Integrated Care System (ICS). We directed a team of evaluators to explore the delivery of ten digital innovation projects in primary care over a five year period, covering multiple digital technologies. We gathered data through qualitative questionnaires and in-depth interviews with the delivery team and wider stakeholders such as GP clinical and IT leads, establishing what stakeholders and the delivery team perceived to have been successful and unsuccessful in these processes. This enabled us to codify an approach to digital transformation in primary care based on these findings, presenting this in a written research report.
Reducing Out-of-Area Placements in Mental Health Care
Quality Improvement Research
Chris supported Cogency Analysis and Research to deliver improvement research for the NHS Confederation and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This focused on generating evidence on approaches taken by commissioners and service providers to reduce the number of patients being moved out of their local area for mental health inpatient treatment. This involved workshops with managers and clinicians to develop overall themes and solutions, followed by in-depth interviews to develop a series of case studies on particularly impactful initiatives that could be deployed in other areas.