Information for Providers
Some questions and answers
These questions were raised during provider training sessions. They have been listed under these three headings
Identifying Carers
Systems and Processes
Vascular Checks
1. Q: Project support – what are the arrangements for project support to the non-GP providers?
A: Local project staff in GP practices will also have responsibility to link with other local providers. In addition, leads will be nominated as a local source of advice, coordination and problem solving. Providers also have access to the Programme Team.
2. Q: Can people on other GP disease registers (e.g. diabetes) have this health check? (they might be a carer but not on the carers register)
A: Yes, eligibility criteria only apply to the vascular component of the check. Encourage the carer to tell their GP they are a carer and to register with carers link
3. Q:Can carers that live outside of Devon receive a check? (they may be caring for some-one registered with a practice in Devon)
A: No, they will not be eligible to receive services from Devon which emerge as a need from the check.
4. Q: When can we start?
A: When you have signed the contract and partnership agreement and completed the relevant training
5. Q: How will carers know there is a choice of provider in the enhanced sites?
A: All providers should be informing carers that there is a choice of provider and giving the carer information about the options open to them. These options will vary depending on the individual enhanced site.
7.Q: Is the programme team collecting data about carers who are offered a check but choose not to have one (with reasons)?
A: Yes. This is collected as part of the monthly performance report.
8. Q: Forms and recording – which forms should be used to record the check and what happens to them? What is the procedure for referring carers on?
A: The carer will have a booklet in which they will record their answers to keep. The provider will have a paper based record that is in triplicate, to record the main outcomes of the check; there is also a record for the vascular component.
With the carers consent, the top copy of the provider record should be forwarded to the carers GP practice for storing with their medical record.
With the carers consent, the top (White) copy may also be photocopied and sent to Devon Carers Link for the purpose of initiating the Handy Persons service and /or membership of Devon Carers Link.
Address -
Westbank, Freepost (SWB30899) (DCL), Exminster, Exeter, EX6 8ZZ
With the carers consent the (Yellow) copy may be forwarded to Care Direct to initiate a referral to social care services
Address -
Care Direct, Customer Service Centre, PO Box 142, Tiverton, EX16 0BA
The (Green) copy should be retained by the provider but may be required by the programme team for the purpose of audit during the life of the programme. Further advice on this will follow.
9.Q: Is there scope to provide follow up appointments?
A. Yes. The purpose of the check is to pick up emerging health issues and provide appropriate interventions. However, this is at the discretion of the provider, and would be provided as per usual evidenced based practice and is not funded as part of the DH programme.
10.Q: Is there a list of local contacts for signposting carers to?
A: Yes, this is being provided as part of the training package and local project workers will help practices to develop their own local intelligence.
11.Q: At Care Direct – Would carers be means tested to receive services?
A: No, any carer providing regular and substantial care is entitled to an assessment of their own needs. There needs will be judged in accordance with the Fair Access to Care Criteria and services will only be provided if they are assessed as being at critical or substantial risk (of carer breakdown) and that services can be provided that will reduce this risk. – CC to confirm wording with Care Direct
12.Q: Best use of time – is there guidance on the order of the clinical checks to be done to make the best use of time (is there a minimum wait for the blood glucose / cholesterol measurements?)
A: No, BP should be taken at least 5 minutes after carer seated.
13.Q: Are there leaflets in different languages available? main four – Cantonese, Urdu, Bengali, Arabic
A: Some information will be available in different languages through the work with the Sahara project and the mentors facilitating access to the health checks for Carers from BME communities.
14.Q: What happens: for carers not registered at all with GP? or carers not registered with participating GP practice?
A: For carers not registered with a GP or with a participating practice, checks can be accessed via a participating pharmacy. The record of the check would be sent to the carer’s GP (with the carer’s consent) even if they were not taking part in the project. If there is no GP, the record of the check is retained by the check provider.
15.Q: Is capped 1% just of total carers or total patients on books?
A: The 1% cap is calculated on the total practice list size.
16.Q: Cholesterol Testing – Is this non-fasting? What equipment should be used?
A: No, near patient testing kit should be used in accordance to Standard Operating Procedure
17.Q: What are the requirements for quality control and validation of near patient testing equipment?
A: In accordance with manufacturers instructions.
18. Q: BMI Chart – can practices have a BMI chart to work out the calculation and show to the carer?
A: BMI chart provided - see useful documents
19. Q: Calculating risk factors – how will the % risk be calculated? Is there software available?
A: QRISK is the preferred risk assessment toolkit; it can be downloaded free from: www.qrisk.org
20.Q; Pulse/Waist circumference: are these part of the check or not?
A: No
21. Q. Where does the equipment come from / cost / training on use?
A; The NPT equipment can be supplied through medical equipment suppliers; costs vary and locally products have been sourced at around £450. Any training requirements can be accessed via equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
22. Q: •If need a second test for cholesterol who does this?
A: The same provider who does the first test.
23. Q: How are community nursing teams kept informed about the project?
A: The programme team comprises representatives from all community teams:
Keri Storey – Community Nursing Older People and Adults with Physical and Sensory Disabilities
Ruth Baker – Older People's Mental Health
Nory Meneer – Learning Disabilities
Beryl Perrin – Children & Young People's Trust
Training
24. Q: What training should staff be attending, what are the dates and flexibilities, and how do staff enrol?
A: See useful documents for lists and training matrix
25. Q. Will there be standardised support materials and training for lifestyle/diet advice? Is there guidance on waist circumference and alcohol intake?
A: Yes, the health check training takes providers through the standard documents and provides advice on the latest healthy lifestyle messages.
26.Q: Vascular checks. If members of staff are fully trained / accredited to carry out vascular checks do they still need to attend the vascular checks training?
A: No.
27.Q: What is the process for opting out?
A:. Email confirmation of training to Sue Taylor or Denise Rendell including statement of competence
