Top 10 tips: East Devon

Glaucoma follow-up pilot

Prior to start of the project, obtain training to understand project framework, ie. PRINCE2 methodology, in order to plan the project to meet both project and Department of Health targets.

Take time to choose key people who will contribute usefully to the project and who have both the interest and imagination to contribute.

Take special care when planning the project with actions that take a long time to come to fruition, ie. ordering capital / recruitment / optometrist training - to find out how long they will take - to ensure that these do not delay the project.

When working with a team of people who are unused to the workings of the NHS, take the time to explain project, meeting format and individuals' contribution.

Keep all project members regularly updated and informed about the project, and allow ample opportunity for consultation – taking care to specify timeframe. Even when there is little to say, send out a project update letter to all participating optometrists.

Plan not to duplicate work that is already undertaken, or needs undertaking by networking with other sites and sharing work and targets.

It is important to plan for sustainability from the start, this should include ‘Service Level Agreements’, optometrist fees and whom within the PCT is going to manage the service at the end of the project.

Within training the participating optometrist, build in training around the process, ie referral, GP letter, use of protocol forms, etc. as this may cause optometrists the most difficulty.

Set up an email clinical supervision network to support learning and sharing of problems and solutions.

Take a baseline audit of both the current service and patients' views early on, in order that you have comparable data following project implementation.

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