Can we make a difference? - Interim results of a pilot respiratory champion network in the South West of England

Clinical Research Results Abstract Research Idea Abstract Service Development & Evaluation Abstract AimTo encourage respiratory change at Primary Care Network (PCN) level by funding time and leadership for respiratory champions in each PCN across the South West of England.Outline of contextSix clinical respiratory leads (1 day per week role) were appointed via national funding to support and promote respiratory care in the South West of England (population 5.6 million). With some additional funding it was possible to develop a pilot project to allow clinical colleagues 2hr per week funding to support involvement in local PCN(population covered around 30,000 with 4-6 general practice units) who help develop local health services. This project was initiated in September 2021 during the COVID19 pandemic.Description of change / interventionInvitations to apply for a post were circulated through local networks and central routes. Not all places were appointed in a timely fashion - but there was considerable enthusiasm and expertise from those appointed. The majority of those appointed were nurses working in general practice. The regional clinical team supported the PCN champions with regular education sessions (covering central policy, leadership ideas and respiratory clinical practice updates) and the PCN champions were able to use local contacts to engage with PCN leads. Lessons learnedEvaluation is ongoing and will be presented from mid project analyses along with reflections ona. appointment process across a wide areab. PCN Champion learning and experience along with confidence in working with more established service development clinicians.c. Assess the impact working with local practices and local network settingsMessage for othersIt is anticipated that having additional clinical expertise influencing service development at a local level - would result in more effective change however there are hurdles to be able to appoint, influence and empower clinical champions across a large population. We will describe our challenges, opportunities and successes. Declaration of Interest All authors are working in the NHS and working regionally to lead in respiratory care development. They are employed in this work by NHS England South West. References and Clinical Trial Registry Information