Can we make a difference? Regional Clinical Respiratory Leads in the South West of England

Clinical Research Results Abstract Research Idea Abstract Service Development & Evaluation Abstract AimTo influence and develop respiratory care in the South West of England across the whole health community working with colleagues across the regional footprint.Outline of contextIn September 2020 during the COVID19 pandemic funding for regional clinical respiratory leads was provided centrally from NHS England for a two year period to help influence and support development of respiratory care. In the South West (population 5.6 million) six leads were appointed (1 general practice specialist nurse, 1 general practitioner, 2 community based physiotherapists and 2 consultant respiratory physicians). The clinical leads are supported by two programme managers. There are regular meetings with national respiratory lead team and a variety of initiatives supported by the team.Description of change/interventionThe opportunity to influence change in the region required work at board level regionally, along with the 16 acute hospitals, 7 regional (CCG) organisations and around 1000 general practices. Work has been involved in responsive work linked to the pandemic, recovery work to re-establish services, influencing work to develop severe asthma services along with investigation / diagnostic hubs. Lessons learnedWe will provide an analysis of involvement in different services, impact on services and their outcomes - and influence on guidance produced nationally and regionally along with implementation (FENO services, home oximetry, post covid syndrome support services) and linked to established and new networks across boundary and within clinical commissioning groups. Message for othersThe regional team is multi-disciplinary and has shared learning and expertise both in clinical contexts and leadership. The richness of the team's experience has helped to influence and change many parts of the system and raise profile and quality of respiratory care processes. It has been able to respond to urgent national needs and support development of innovative care. 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