Public service organisations face multiple pressures. The approach outlined integrates learning and working. It uses a framework for managing information, knowledge and best practice, and related learning tools to support the development, updating and practice of healthcare and other professionals, and ensure adherence to relevant procedures, regulations and standards.
Areas examined include education and training, induction, continuing professional development, ensuring patient safety, maintaining standards, monitoring practitioners, diagnosis, ensuring optimum care pathways, reducing stress and improving productivity. Implementation is manageable, affordable and achievable.
Benefits of the approach outlined include better engagement with patients, greater understanding, improved productivity, reduced costs, quicker responses, faster dissemination of beneficial changes, less stress, higher standards of patient safety and care, and evidenced compliance. Experience in other sectors suggests substantial returns on investment could be quickly delivered. Catching one patient before costly treatment is required could fund certain of the tools considered.
