Run by a team of highly experienced professionals with extensive knowledge across both the clinical and commercial sectors, all of whom understand the pressures placed upon GPs and commissioners on a daily basis and are passionate about making change and innovation happen.
With half of all people aged 75+ in the UK living alone, and with loneliness a proven factor in depression and other health-related conditions, the Prime GP team set up the Prime75+ project to tackle head-on the issues related to loneliness through:
• Delivering a service within primary care to patients aged 75+
• Offering health, social and voluntary care interventions
• Reducing loneliness and social isolation
• Decreasing dependency on health services
With a primary focus on alleviating the issues faced by a rapidly-growing and ageing population, the project moves away from a traditional model of care which focuses purely on an individual’s health in isolation, and instead takes an holistic approach looking at the overall physical, mental, and social needs of those aged 75 and over – needs which are all too often overlooked.
Commissioned by NHS South Warwickshire CCG in January 2015, the Prime75+ project has since been trialled across four GP practices in South Warwickshire and, just twelve months on, is having a profound impact.
How? A dedicated over 75s Coordinator works alongside clinical and reception staff to identify those who are lonely, socially isolated (and in some cases frail), and offers health, social and voluntary care interventions. Views about the type of support and level of engagement required are sought from the patients themselves, with the Coordinator working with them to identify activities within the local community that they can participate in and be part of.
Involvement in such social activities, including everything from art classes and tea parties (including a 20,000 Year Tea Party which saw the collaboration of the biggest over 75 patient group in the history of the NHS (http://primegp.co.uk/news/20000-year-tea-party) through to first aid courses and intergenerational events, not only promotes the development of friendships and self-confidence, but reduces their reliance on the one person many previously saw as their sole trusted confidante – their GP.
Since launching, the scheme has facilitated contact with over 690 patients from across the four practices and has conducted more than 280 initial assessments.
The Coordinator has liaised with more than 43% of the total population of over 75s, has completed full assessments with 18% of those individuals, and has identified approximately 21% who are lonely.
Through communication and engagement with the over 75s, the project has resulted in the number of GP appointments by those seen by the Coordinator reduced by over a third – providing confidence to the GPs and ensuring that those patients who are in real need of medical attention are prioritised. With significant improvements to health, well-being and morale, this innovative project has achieved what it set out to do… tackle loneliness, improve socialisation, reduce use of secondary care, and improve quality of life.