Call for expressions of interest to improve detection of deteriorating patients

We are inviting expressions of interest to become part of an exciting programme to test the use of NEWS2 and a soft signs of deterioration approach to improve the experience and outcomes for people cared for in community settings.

This call is open to health and social care organisations within the UCLPartners geography.

A significant number of individuals with complex needs receive care in the community: at home, in care homes or in specialised supported accommodation (for people with learning disabilities). Their ongoing care is delivered mostly by non-clinically trained care staff who do not always have the confidence and competence to recognise physical deterioration in people they care for. This can result in inappropriate escalation and unnecessary hospital admissions.

To improve the experience and outcomes for this group of people, we are running a programme to train and support non-clinically trained staff to recognise, escalate and communicate the early signs of deterioration in a timely and appropriate fashion.

We are looking to work with a small number of organisations to test and implement two innovative approaches:

• the Significant 7+ training and toolkit to detect the soft signs of deterioration, helping staff to assess the situation and escalate appropriately.
• the Whzan digital telehealth solution to undertake clinical observations, calculate a NEWS2 score and respond quickly through appropriate escalation routes.

Teams testing Whzan will receive free portable monitoring kit(s) and a 6-monhtly subscription with ongoing support to implement the solution. Those opting for Significant 7+ will benefit from being part of the Train the trainer cohort with annual licence fee covered by UCLPartners and ongoing support to introduce and sustain the intervention.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to organisations that commission and/or provide community health and social care services, such as Community Health Trusts, Local Authorities and/or Clinical Commissioning Groups from across the UCLPartners region. We expect these Lead organisations to identify and work with one or more care provider teams (test sites) in their locality:

• domiciliary care providers
• residential and/or nursing care homes
• community nursing teams
• reablement teams
• specialised supported accommodation for people with a learning disability.

How to apply

Please read the Call for expressions of interest before completing your expression of interest.

Listen to the recording of the Information Call held on 20 August 2019.

Download an expression of interest form and email your completed form to patientsafety@uclpartners.com by 10am on Monday, 16 September 2019.

If shortlisted, the lead applicant and representative from at least one test site will be required to attend an interview, which will take place on Thursday, 26 September 2019.

As part of the application process UCLPartners will need to collect and store some personal data about applicants. Download our Local Privacy Notice to find out more.