A rheumatology project run on behalf of Pfizer saw Quintiles pick up the inaugural Excellence in New Models of Care Award at the recent PMEA Awards.
The outsourcing services company’s CMFT Rheumatology Transition pathway project was developed as a joint working initiative between Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) and Pfizer, with deliver managed and led by Quintiles.
Starting from a position of no formal pathway for children transitioning from Paediatric to Adult Rheumatology Services, the project was initiated to address this service gap and to ensure a quality experience for young people while also impacting on waiting times and ‘Did not Attends’ (DNAs).
The PMEA judges said: “Quintiles worked effectively with the NHS to make this pathway project fit for purpose, addressing a key unmet need. It is a fantastic collaboration on an important topic, with a model that can be extended further.”
Over twelve months, using techniques such as patient questionnaires, formal board meetings, demand forecasting, good practice and literature reviews, Kaizen events, ‘Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control’ (DMAIC) and other Lean 6 Sigma methods, new pathways were developed and implemented.
Subsequently a detailed analysis has been developed of the health economic and cost impact of the pathways and reductions in waiting times and DNA rates will be evaluated by a post-implementation audit.
The PMEA programme, run by PMLiVE publisher the PMGroup, is specifically designed to recognise and commend excellence, best practice and innovation in local, European and international markets.
Its categories reflect current business practice of striving for customer and patient-centric education and support programmes; brand lifecycle excellence; and outstanding work.
• Full results from PMEA 2015
• PMEA 2015 photo galleries