Improving Together: A National Framework for Quality and GP Clusters in Scotland

Facilitation

Working and learning in GP clusters is new. The transitional arrangements for Quality put in place during 2016-17 recognised that this style of working will need time, and require patience, as these clusters form and begin to adjust to a completely new approach to improving Quality.

Developing constructive conversations around local priorities and improvement aims, using intelligence and data from a range of sources, and building relationships internal to the cluster, and with other parts of the health and social care system merits support, and in some places may require formal assistance.

Facilitation, alongside support for data analysis and improvement advice, will greatly enhance the output of these clusters and allow them to become productive more quickly.

Recognition of this is critical, and during the development of this framework it is judged to be important to signal to GP Clusters and to Integrated Authorities that investment in facilitation, either from internal resources or from the range of organisations able to provide this, will enhance the output of these clusters and allow them to become productive more quickly.

Supporting Cluster Quality Leads in running productive meetings, both practically and developmentally, and ensuring access to leadership training and appropriate administrative support will all contribute to the success of GP cluster working and are central components of the necessary infrastructure.