The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust outpatient services transformation programme to improve quality and effectiveness of patient care

Background: The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust outpatient services transformation programme is a strategic change programme delivered as a collaborative approach through the Berkshire West Integrated Care Partnership. The main aim of redesign is to improve capacity in clinics and improve patient experience.

Methods: This was done through a best practice menu and 'how to' guides. This simplified and standardised the process for moving activity from face-to-face to virtual, maximising remote monitoring and moving clinics off the main acute site.

Results: We have successfully implemented six different work streams to transform outpatient services. Referrals are now triaged and streamed. The number of patients reviewed virtually, on patient-initiated follow-up and seen closer to home has increased.

Conclusion: The outpatient services transformation programme has resulted in improvements within the trust and the integrated care partnership. This programme supports the vision by the Royal College of Physicians and NHS England to modernise and transform outpatient services.