Understanding Collaborative Working Within Primary Care Networks: An Exploration of The New Mental Health Workforce

Objective: To identify competencies required for effective collaborative working within Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Methods: An online questionnaire about roles within PCN teams, importance of collaboration and experiences of connection and conflict within teams, was sent to Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) and PCN/Practice Managers from several teams across Lancashire. Semi-structured interviews with similarly themed questions were conducted with MHPs, General Practitioners (GPs), and PCN/Practice Managers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Questionnaire and interview data were combined, and themes were mapped onto 3 competency constructs (knowledge, skills and abilities, and personal characteristics). Results: Subthemes that were considered important to effective collaborative working in PCNs included: knowledge around shared goals, expectations, and role clarity; skills in communication and relationship building; embodiment of personal characteristics such as being engaged, accepting, and supportive. Conclusion: Clinical implications for promoting collaboration between staff working within PCN settings include meetings and joint training between PCN and NHS Trusts to establish network goals and expectations, regular team meetings and opportunities for face-to face activity to promote understanding of different roles and relationship building.