What is Enhanced Primary Care? | A new model of primary care that aims to upskill the workforce by adding a new non-medical role to the primary care team: health coaches |
Target group of Enhanced Primary Care | Patients with at least one chronic condition (~ 18% of the population in South Somerset) |
Role of the health coach | To act as a single point of contact for patients; and to provide additional self-management and education support for patients |
Background of the health coach | Typically from an administration/receptionist background, but some practices have also hired former social workers |
Training of the health coach | All health coaches receive a two-day training course in health coaching. Health coaches are trained in different techniques to improve person-centeredness by supporting patients in identifying and achieving their goals |
Number of GP practices that have implemented Enhanced Primary Care | 17 out of 19 practices in South Somerset, with some at a more advanced stage than others. The scheme has been rolled out in three waves across the region |