Mersey Care focused on identifying and proactively managing the safety of those using mental health services who were particularly vulnerable to relapse during the pandemic, and many were also on the shielded patient list.
People with underlying health conditions were required to isolate for a prolonged period of time (shielding) and the challenge facing Mersey Care was to identify, intervene and ensure the safety of the most vulnerable and assess whether a change in care was needed.
Additionally, staff were adopting remote working, virtual consultations, and working with greater autonomy. Staff needed to have swift and easy access to data to ensure resources were targeted where they were needed most.
This project focused on around 8000 people who were potentially vulnerable to relapse. No system was able to bring together information to provide a holistic view of the needs of this vulnerable population.
Mersey Care, working with Otsuka Health Solutions (a digital health company), supported by earthware (a digital creative agency), developed ways to provide actionable insights from different data sources.
The team produced a system that staff could start to use within 14 days. The fully functional dashboard was launched within six weeks, with additional data added as it became available.
MaST COVID-19 uses predictive analytics to deliver insight on Risk of Crisis and Complexity, combined with information about people shielding, or additionally vulnerable due to physical comorbidities or social situation. Healthcare professionals can access insights and information quickly and easily.
By using existing multi agency relationships this project was delivered quickly and with reduced daily administrative burden.
• 50 clinical staff were involved, all unable to contribute to frontline NHS activities due to their own shielding needs
• On average 24 clinical staff worked on the project each day
• Staff used MaST COVID-19 to prioritise phone calls to patients, carers, GP and other professionals
• Staff were supported by strong clinical leadership, peer support and via MaST’s rapid online learning module.
This project has improved use of NHS resources, staff wellbeing and the quality and safety of patient care.
Particular themes from the feedback from 1:1 telephone interviews run by an independent evaluator are highlighted.
MaST COVID-19:
• improved clinical prioritisation with easy to use information. It allowed a structured workload and practical actions
• helped support multi agency working, enhancing communication between healthcare professionals
• helped give staff a sense of achievement and purpose, working collaboratively and feeling less isolated with a sense of purpose
• made a significant difference to service users experiencing loneliness, fear or bereavement. Some were feeling suicidal and were able to be supported and followed up.
With the development of Integrated Care Systems and the aims of NHS Reset, our vision is for MaST COVID-19 to be central to the provision of 'joined-up' care, centred around the needs of our patients. Through further evolution of this pilot, MaST COVID-19, it will provide a step change in the information and insight available to front line staff across physical and mental health services.