Prudent Healthcare and housing associations
Prudent Healthcare defines the change that is taking place in our approach to providing healthcare in Wales. Matt Kennedy explains
From clinical practice, to individual responsibility it represents a key shift which redefines the role of us, as citizens in sustaining our own health as well as the broader healthcare system. The principles underpinning this approach are:
- Do no harm. The principle that interventions which do harm or provide no clinical benefit are eliminated
- Carry out the minimum appropriate intervention. The principle that treatment should begin with the basic proven tests and interventions. The intensity of testing and treatment is consistent with the seriousness of the illness and the patient’s goals
- Organise the workforce around the “only do, what only you can do” principle. The principle that all people working for the NHS in Wales should operate at the top of their clinical competence. Nobody should be seen routinely by a consultant, for example, when their needs could be appropriately dealt with by an advanced nurse practitioner
- Promote equity. The principle that it is the individual’s clinical need which matters when it comes to deciding NHS treatment
- Remodel the relationship between user and provider on the basis of co-production.
The Welsh Government has launched an online resource, explaining in detail these principles and how they can be applied from a range of perspectives. CHC will be contributing a ‘housing’ chapter to this resource where, through case studies and real life examples, we will highlight the vital role the sector can play in delivering on this agenda. The The ‘Making Prudent Healthcare happen’ resource can be accessed via www.prudenthealthcare.org.uk/
Primary care in Wales – changing for the better
With ever mounting pressure on GP services in Wales, there is clearly a need to look at how demand can be managed, and longer term non-medical interventions can become part of a GPs toolkit. Increasingly, community activities are being viewed as a means to support longer term health outcomes, in partnership with primary care.
In Scotland, the ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) project is seeking to map out and grow the menu of activity happening in communities, working with GPs, housing, social services and communities. This exercise will mean in addition to considering the appropriate medical intervention, the GP will work with individuals to identify which local activities may also be of benefit to their patient’s health and wellbeing. CHC will look to develop this discussion in Wales to ensure housing associations are a key partner in delivering preventative interventions and focussing on the health and wellbeing of tenants.
Matt Kennedy is policy officer (care, support & health) at Community Housing Cymru