Research into the relationship between unpaid carers and health services has led to a new toolkit to help primary care staff to recognise, record and support carers more easily and effectively.
Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley worked with carers, GP practices and NHS commissioners to investigate existing provision and identify how staff can take a more proactive approach.
The toolkit they created aims to enhance the skills, knowledge and awareness of primary care staff.
Kerry Hearsey, Chief Executive of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire, said:
“Caring for someone can have a huge physical and mental impact – especially as most carers put their own needs last and often don’t ask for help until their own situation becomes critical.
“That’s why it’s so important for those working in healthcare to be aided to identify and recognise carers and to help them get the support they need sooner, whether that is health treatment, respite, or connecting with other support agencies.
“Simply being recognised as a carer can make a huge difference. It opens the door to advice, local support and understanding from health professionals.”
At the same time, anyone providing unpaid support to a family member, friend or neighbour, who couldn’t manage without that support, is being urged to register as a carer so they can access help and have their own needs attended to.
GP practice Oakley Health Group worked with Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley to develop the toolkit. The work identified six principles:
- Recognition of carers is key;
- Record accurately and respond;
- Find flexible ways to accommodate carers’ needs;
- Work with voluntary sector to ensure carers look after themselves;
- Monitor changes in carers’ situation, and;
- Success relies on leadership, behaviours and systems.
The toolkit advises on opportunities to ask patients if they are carers and it even provides correct SNOMED codes to ensure carers are accurately recorded.
Dr Daniel Mason, a GP at Oakley Health Group, said: “Supporting carers to look after their own health is so important because often if their health fails, so does that of the person they care for.
“By helping practices identify carers earlier, we can make sure they receive the information, understanding and support they deserve while continuing to care for others.
We’re delighted to have been working on this important piece of work that has the potential to transform the experiences of carers, the people they care for, as well as GP practice staff.
“Sharing the toolkit with other GP practices enables all of us working in primary care to know what to look for, to know what conversations to have with patients and also how we can work with other health, social care and voluntary sector services to provide care that supports and protects carers.”
Anyone who is unsure whether they are a carer should contact either their local carers’ organisation or contact their GP practice for advice.
