Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network (YAHSN) Case Study

About YAHSN

Technology to aid Physical Health of those with Serious Mental Illness

Evidence shows that people with serious mental illness (SMI) die up to twenty years younger than the average population. In many instances, it appears that these individuals receive a lesser standard of health promotion and physical health care. In spite of national awareness and guidelines, early mortality rates have not improved.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT) initiated a project to improve the physical health of people with SMI. An initial audit was conducted looking at base line physical health measures used in primary care. Results showed that the measures did not reflect the patients’ needs and that essential checks were not taking place.

To address this, the ‘Bradford Physical Health Review Template’ was developed by staff from BDCFT, primary care and software provider TPP. Kate Dale (Mental and Physical Lead) explained:

The ‘Bradford Physical Health Review Template’ is now available nationally on SystmOne and EMIS primary care software systems.

The Challenge

Wirral SCB uses Virtual College audit software to meet its duties under the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 statutory guidance.

Identifying the role learning technology can play

Following the implementation of the template within the initial pilot region, the number of annual physical health checks carried out increased and the quality improved, resulting in significantly better quality outcomes for this client group. The template became part of routine care used by GPs and Practice Nurses across all 80 GP practices in the locality.

The success of the template and the shared care recommendations in preventing ill health in this high risk group and in promoting ‘parity of esteem’ resulted in significant national interest and recognition. In 2015 the Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) became involved in supporting the further development of the template and its regional and national rollout. The AHSN assists in ensuring new, innovative products and services that have the potential to transform lives become part of routine clinical practice.

To provide added impetus to the use and roll out of the template, the AHSN issued a tender, inviting submissions for the development and delivery of an interactive 30-minute e-learning resource for primary care staff. The module would need to include practical interactive demonstrations on a range of issues included in a routine health check using the ‘Bradford physical health review template’ including phlebotomy, ECG and baseline tests. The interactive aspects would also include practical video demos of key aspects of a physical health check.

The AHSN anticipated the measurable improvements as a result of the e-learning module to include:

• Primary care staff appropriately trained in how to use the Bradford physical health review template and complete physical health assessments for patients in their care
• Improved primary care staff attitudes towards mental / physical health
• An increased number of people with SMI receiving an annual health check
• Increased number of practices using the Bradford physical health review template
• Patients receiving correct physical health interventions in a timely manner

The Results

Virtual College delivered the 30-minute online course on budget and one week ahead of schedule. Hosted on its cloud-based LMS, Enable, the course provides free access for up to 1,000 learners.

Targeted at primary care staff—including GPs, nurses, and support workers—the course supports the use of the physical health review template and aims to promote its nationwide adoption for assessing the physical health of people with severe mental illness.

The development process was smooth and collaborative, with Virtual College completing the project early to support its launch at the Innovations Improvements Conference at the Royal Armouries.

The course is now being marketed across the UK to over 220 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).