PRIMIS+ Learning Consultants are happy to facilitate the initial meetings and put facilitators and PCT staff in touch with one another. However, facilitators usually set their own agenda and network rules, as well as the frequency and location of their meetings.

A number of learning networks have already been established. This case study focuses on how one of these networks has helped facilitators in the West Midlands to improve and maintain good data quality.

In keeping with the original concept of PRIMIS+ learning networks, the group was set up to ensure that each member has the opportunity to contribute, ask questions and suggest topics of discussion in a confidential team environment.

A source of knowledge, support and innovation

The use of learning networks is particularly relevant to groups containing a number of new or lone facilitators, as seen in the West Midlands.

Frances Dixon is the only Primary Care Information Facilitator at Coventry PCT. She has welcomed the opportunity to share ideas with other facilitators in her region in a learning network environment.

Frances explained: “It is perhaps more difficult to be innovative when you are working on your own. The mix of new and experienced facilitators is good. We can share knowledge but also gain a fresh perspective or new approach to different areas of our job.”

Group member Dave Jeffery, a Data Quality Facilitator from Herefordshire PCT, added: “The network allows you to discover what has worked for others and remove the need to repeat work already completed elsewhere.  

“Once you have met other facilitators in this environment, it also becomes easier to contact them for advice or support outside the meeting.”

The regularity and location of the meetings and the presence of a PRIMIS+ learning consultant – who attends on the request of group members – have also been highlighted as real advantages of the learning network format.

In their initial meetings, members of the West Midlands Learning Network have discussed the role that each person has within their PCT, clinical system issues and training needs assessments. Participants have also shared best practice policies for paperlight and patient validation processes. 

At the end of each meeting, group members set the agenda for the next network. All members present are encouraged to contribute to this discussion. Anybody unable to attend also has the opportunity to add items to the timetable via email.

Dave continued: “By setting the agenda ourselves we are able to be reactive to the problems, issues and challenges that we have encountered in practice. By spacing the networks between the PRIMIS+ regional forums, we are also able to discuss any wider issues that have been highlighted.”

When the agenda has been decided upon, the group then delegates tasks to each member, which could include booking a guest speaker, obtaining relevant publications or typing up minutes as required. The following meeting will then begin with feedback from any action points raised previously.

Further information

If you would like to join a learning network in your area, or help to establish a new one, please contact your PRIMIS+ Learning Consultant, who can put you in touch with others responsible for data quality in primary care.

Group members will then be encouraged to choose the time, location and agenda of future meetings, with a Learning Consultant on hand to offer additional support when required.

In order to share progress nationally, information regarding existing learning networks will be made available by PRIMIS+ in a variety of formats. The provision of discussion boards and dedicated web pages are being considered and a range of case studies will highlight progress made in various networks.

Learning Consultants will feed back any major points of discussion to their colleagues, while network members are encouraged to share minutes with other relevant staff within their PCT.

As these networks develop, there will be the possibility of showcasing network activities at regional forums and at the PRIMIS+ Conference.

The NHS Information Centre recently launched its Data Quality Programme, with the vision of improving data quality throughout health and social care. Networks are one step towards helping to achieve this, by enabling the wider sharing of good practice.

To find out more information about learning networks, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .