‘Messaging A&G is easy to use and gives me specialist input quickly for my decision-making.’
Primary Care clinicians in Kent and Medway have had access to specialist Telephone Advice & Guidance since September 2019. As of May 2022, clinicians now have access to Messaging Advice & Guidance provided by out-of-area NHS consultants on the National Consultant Network (NCN). We spoke with a GP and an advanced nurse practitioner in the area to find out how Messaging Advice & Guidance has improved their working methods.
How did you get specialist written advice before using Consultant Connect, and how does this compare with Messaging Advice & Guidance?
‘In the past, we would’ve needed to make a written referral to Secondary Care, which is a longer overall process. Messaging Advice & Guidance is easy to use and gives me specialist input quickly for my decision-making. It is reassuring to know that help is available at the touch of a button.’
– Deborah Nicholls, Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
‘Access to Messaging Advice & Guidance helps obtain input to streamline referrals and potential admissions on the correct pathways. I frequently avoid unnecessary referrals and admissions by using Consultant Connect.’
– Dr Shirani Ilanthirayan, GP.
We asked the clinicians to share examples of how using the service has recently helped improve patient care:
Deborah’s Neurology patient
‘I sent a message via the Consultant Connect App to a consultant neurologist on the NCN after seeing a patient with a neurological concern. The consultant assured me that the patient was suitable for a 40-week referral rather than an urgent one. The response was rapid, and I was able to reassure the anxious patient and put them at ease quickly.’
Dr Ilanthirayan’s Stroke patient
‘I saw a patient who had had a stroke and was taking apixaban and statin. They recently had their bloods taken, and their liver function test (LFT) was grossly abnormal, which was a new finding. I sent a message to a haematology consultant, who reassured me that the patient could be managed locally and that a referral was unnecessary. This was excellent for the patient as they didn’t need to travel to the hospital and wait to speak to a clinician in Secondary Care.’
What advice would you give to clinicians who are thinking of using Messaging Advice & Guidance but are unsure?
‘This is a service that can help many clinicians. I like that many responses to Advice & Guidance queries are almost instant.’
– Dr Ilanthirayan.
‘I would advise all clinical colleagues to use Messaging Advice & Guidance whenever additional input is required. The service is excellent and has helped manage many of my patients.’
– Deborah Nicholls.
Click here to view and download a PDF version of this case study.
If you have any questions about this service, please get in touch on 01865 261467 or at hello@consultantconnect.org.uk
