A leadership programme designed to help health professionals develop and improve patient care has seen a dramatic rise in applications.
There has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of health professionals wanting to take part in the Developing Doctors to Deliver (3D) programme run by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).
Devised by HEIW’s Revalidation Support Unit (RSU), the programme promotes strong clinical leadership and is designed to support professionals as they develop skills to improve and enhance patient care in Wales.
Originally designed for primary care doctors, the programme has expanded and now welcomes applications from secondary care clinicians, dentists, public health doctors and pharmacists.
In 2017-18, a total of 223 applications were received for the 36 places on the course, up from 139 applicants the previous year.
The programme includes a mixture of theory and practice and is based around three themes: personal development/self-awareness, project skills and organisational understanding. It can be undertaken over one or two years.
Its key component is a project identified by participants that has the potential to enhance delivery of care and allows them to apply newly learned theory in a real setting.
Julie Nallon, RSU Organisation Lead at HEIW, said: “The 3D programme aims to increase the skills and confidence of professionals who do not see themselves as leaders in the traditional sense, but wish to implement and influence change within their area.
“The programme provides a unique learning environment in Wales, getting to the heart of the engagement and collaboration agenda which is vital for the future progress of integrated healthcare.”
Chris Price, Deputy Director of RSU, HEIW, explained that the programme’s multi-disciplinary approach is in line with the Welsh Government’s ambitions for prudent health care.
He said: “The integration of general practice with a range of hospital, dental and public health specialists facilitates strong networking and collaboration both within the programme and beyond.
“We have found the interaction of clinicians from different settings to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme, helping to foster a greater understanding and, ultimately, effectiveness among participants.”
The first phase of the 3D programme’s impact review has shown considerable benefits on both the individual participants and patient services.
Participants say that their working practices have improved due to the new skills they have developed, while several projects have led to significant service improvements. For example, the setting up of a new post anaesthetic care unit and emergency department staffing improvements.
Phase two of the review will further examine the impact of the 3D programme projects on the NHS, local teams and patients.
The popularity of the programme demonstrates the capacity and appetite for strong clinical leadership within NHS Wales. By supporting participants to translate theory into practice and ideas into action, the programme contributes to improvements in the quality and delivery of patient care and services.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
For further information about the Developing Doctors to Deliver (3D) programme, visit: https://bit.ly/2t22DX3
The Developing Doctors to Deliver (3D) programme supports the Welsh Government’s Prudent Healthcare objectives to deliver collaborative working and effective patient-centred healthcare.
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) was established on 1st October 2018. It is a special health authority within NHS Wales created by bringing together three key organisations for health - the Wales Deanery, NHS Wales’ Workforce Education and Development Services (WEDS), and the Wales Centre for Pharmacy Professional Education (WCPPE). Sitting alongside health boards and trusts, HEIW has a leading role in the education, training, development and shaping of the healthcare workforce in Wales. Its key functions include education and training, workforce development and modernisation, leadership development, strategic workforce planning, workforce intelligence, careers, and widening access.
Further information can be found at https://heiw.nhs.wales/