Workforce brings a multifaceted set of challenges to primary care. At the core is the question: Does the supply meet the demand?

Supporting workforce modelling

One way of understanding these current and future implications is through a user friendly and scalable Beta2 version workforce modelling tool.

This is a tool for those wishing to bring about new models in primary and integrated care, and service re-design around specific groups of patients. Using a combination of population data (existing and growth), HEE supply data, and local information on service use and who does what (currently and in the future), the modelling tool can show future workforce profiles, thus informing requirements around the supply of new and existing roles.

This is a valuable planning asset that enables organisations to consider workforce implications of new ways of working and service transformation activities, both strategically and locally. It will help produce scenarios and options for what the future workforce might look like.

Supporting decision-making

Most importantly, it stimulates discussion between clinicians, providers and commissioners around future workforce requirements at the beginning of the design phase. A number of test sites have been identified and the tool is now available for use by commissioners, primary care networks, federations, workforce networks, service development groups.

The ‘Beta2’ version Future Workforce Tool was co-designed with providers and commissioners from all five London STP areas with the new capabilities and user-friendly interface. This is an early iteration of the tool which will likely further develop over time.

The ‘how-to’ guide, workforce tool and case study are available in the side bar on the right hand side.

Further resources

• Download the Next Steps to the Strategic Commissioning Framework here.
• Find additional resources for Next Steps to the Strategic Commissioning Framework here.