Welcome to this edition of Clinical Connections focused on networks and the value of networking.  In today’s interconnected world we all appreciate the value of networking and when you have a strong network of colleagues it can help you on so many levels.

However there is an increasing recognition of both the power of networks and their potential. Recent work by Aveling et al (2012) reviews the literature on networks and points to the significant role networks have in distributing knowledge, promoting new understanding and as social structures in their role of developing and guiding behaviour. They also suggest a close link between those organisations with effective networks and improved organisational performance and innovation. Read more.

The NHS Commissioning Board Authority has set out its plans for a small number of national networks to improve health services for specific patient groups and conditions.

Called strategic clinical networks, these organisations will build on the success of over 10 years network activity in the NHS.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director, NHS Commissioning Board Authority says:”Clinical networks are an NHS success story. Combining the experience of clinicians, the input of patients and the organisational vision of NHS staff they have supported and improved the way we deliver care to patients in distinct areas, delivering true integration across primary, secondary and often tertiary care.”

Full details of strategic clinical networks are in The Way Forward, published by the Board Authority.

As the country's biggest health website, NHS Choices has pioneered the use of social media for informing, engaging and conversing with the general public about health issues.

Tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube enable NHS Choices to interact with patients in a more direct and personal way, and are tools which a vast number of patients already use and are familiar with.

On Facebook, NHS Choices have a ‘Healthy Living’ profile with over 50,000 ‘likes’ (followers), they also run a Twitter page with nearly 6,000 followers. In both platforms NHS Choices offer regular, trusted, consumer focussed content and they welcome open and active conversation amongst users. Read more.

By Annette Chambers, health informatics clinical engagement lead and Jo Bland, head of informatics communications, NHS North East

The north east clinical health information network was formed to establish a place where clinicians with an interest in health information and technology could shape both regional and national initiatives whilst driving innovation.

Established in May 2011, the network gives clinicians an opportunity to see how technology can enable change and improve patient care across the north east.  It brings together clinicians working across a range of healthcare settings, including primary, secondary and community care, to share ideas and innovative ways of working. Read more.

By Dr Andrew Coley, Senior Medical Advisor, NHS North West

Since 2008, NHS North West has funded and supported a team of clinicians, the ‘Health Informatics Clinical Advisory Team’ (HICAT). The team currently consists of primary care, secondary care, mental health and diagnostics clinicians, who all work across the north west. Its aim is to support clinicians and managers who are striving to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

The HICAT oversee and advise the Clinical Health Informatics Leads (CHIL) from across the region. CHIL is a network that was set up to work with the HICAT and work through health informatics issues and challenges. Read more.  

By Dr Masood Nazir, General Medical Practitioner at Hall Green Health

With the emergence of over 20 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across the NHS Midlands and East, robust communication and engagement channels need to be in place to support timely and effective communication. Clinical networks provide a solution to this communication challenge.  
Information and clinical leadership

Following a recent workshop looking at the information strategy, The Power of Information, and clinical leadership within CCGs, feedback highlighted a need to use networks and social media to engage with a wide range of clinicians to keep dialogue open and flows of information across the region. Read more.