Unlocking the potential of primary care provider collaboratives

1. A shared vision for collaboration

• Define clear leadership roles to ensure the smooth flow of decision-making.
• Ensure transparent accountability between PCPCs and their constituent organisations, integrated care boards and wider system partners.
• Actively involve all four pillars of primary care: GPs, pharmacy, optometry and dentistry.
• Develop a shared vision aligned with system direction of travel.

2. Target operating model

• To bring it all together, PCPCs should align their efforts using a target operating model (TOM) framework that outlines the people, processes, infrastructure and ways of working required to deliver their vision.

3. Estates and infrastructure

• Explore innovative financing (such as private sector capital investment) to unlock new ways of delivering care and support long-term infrastructure.
• Maximise existing facilities such as urgent care centres and health hubs – with an emphasis on improving utilisation through sharing space with partners.
• Partner with local authorities and voluntary sector to expand community-based services.

4. Technology and information

• Invest in interoperable digital infrastructure for seamless care delivery that connects all providers.
• Adopt a data-driven approach to improve outcomes, such as using dashboards for real-time insights and performance tracking.
• Use population health analytics to target interventions more effectively.

5. Workforce development

• Succession plan and consider leadership continuity.
• Maximise the skills and capabilities of staff from across primary care, social care and voluntary sector partners.
• Support collaboration with strong project management and metrics for success.
• Leverage system resources instead of waiting for new funding.