We often look to our peers for inspiration, and for an example of a mature and successful shared care record, Wales could look to one of its neighbours just across the Severn Bridge.
There are clear parallels that can be drawn between the digital maturity that Wales’ healthcare system has in place now and where the integrated care system for Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) was when it began its SCR Journey.
Before the SCR was procured, the region was experiencing an above average growth in unplanned hospital admissions and a disconnect between its health and social care systems. But the introduction of The Connecting Care Programme means BNSSG now has in place one of the most advanced shared care records in the UK, encompassing community care settings including care homes, health visitors, school nurses, children’s and adults’ social care, mental health and more.
Rich data is key to how healthcare systems operate going forwards, and a SCR is a data treasure trove. With this SCR implementation, Wales should keep in mind the need for a future-proof data strategy. Ensuring that the SCR can work with a health data platform that will enable data to be captured, standardised and analysed paves the way to make smarter use of this great strategic asset.
