The clinically led worforcE and activity redesign (CLEAR) programme: a novel data-driven healthcare improvement...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Health Economics
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• The UK National Health Service (NHS) faces significant post-pandemic recovery challenges.
• Optimizing workforce modeling is crucial for NHS recovery.
• The Clinically Lead workforcE and Activity Redesign (CLEAR) programme offers a clinician-led solution for service redesign, aiming to enhance capacity, capability, patient care, and reduce reliance on external consultants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the CLEAR methodology.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and return on investment of previous CLEAR projects.

Main Methods:

• A work-based learning program combining qualitative techniques and data analytics.
• Four stages: Clinical engagement, data interrogation, innovation, and recommendations.
• Mixed-methods evaluation including interviews, surveys, and a health economic logic model.

Main Results:

• CLEAR delivers complex change programs more cost-effectively than alternatives, with a £1.90 cost saving for every £1 spent.
• CLEAR recommendations show higher implementation rates due to clinical engagement, with a potential 5-year ROI of up to £14 for every £1 invested.
• The program positively impacts staff retention and well-being; project costs are recouped if one medical consultant remains employed for a year.

Conclusions:

• The CLEAR methodology is a clinically effective and cost-effective innovation for optimizing healthcare workforce and activity design.
• Implementing CLEAR can substantially improve patient care, staff well-being, and service provision within the NHS.