Improving service integration and proposed early adopter sites

UK | 18 June 07

In Wales, the Map of Medicine is helping to improve the speed of communication of best practice and enhance integration of local resources.

Detailed benefits identified in Wales

Two NHS trusts and boards in Gwent and Conway and Denbighshire have used the Map of Medicine for a year. They identified the following detailed benefits as part of a formal benefit identification process (OGC) guidance.

For clinicians:

• better understanding of certain diseases
• reduced unnecessary pathology testing
• greater confidence in dealing with clinical problems outside of areas of expertise
• helped in looking for alternative diagnoses

Non-clinicians highlighted:

• better communication between clinicians
• a unified approach to evidence based care

Early adopter sites in Wales

In Wales, the use of the Map of Medicine is expanding with new pathways for knee pain, soon to be published in Conway and Denbighshire. Publishing these pathways on the Conway and Denbighshire view of the Map of Medicine, together with a program of communication to both primary and secondary care (eg. meetings, posters and email) aims to improve understanding of key referral criteria, enhance patient care and reduce waiting times. Renal care pathways are also to be published soon for all of Wales.

Early adopter sites in England

In England, the Map is just starting to work with early adopter sites, these include:

• Wirral - Commissioning
• South Bedfordshire - 18 week wait
• West Herts - Cardiology pathways
• Bristol - Cancer network

To find out more about early adopter sites contact us at info@mapofmedicine.com