NHS Lanarkshire has introduced a new, collaborative route for staff to put forward ideas and help improve the pathways that link primary and secondary care. Known as the Interface Pathway Co-design Process, the collaborative framework gives staff a clear method to propose, develop and drive improvement. The process has been created with input from clinicians across services, and ensures any changes are consistent, transparent and crucially, grounded in local experience.
Dr Michael Coates, Clinical Lead and Interface Pathways Coordinator, said: “This process gives us the tools to shape pathways that work better for our patients and our teams.
“It’s about system-wide improvement, grounded in real clinical experience.
“A key message to our staff is that ‘your perspective really can drive change’ – and this provides the mechanism to do that.”
Dr Coates added: “Whether your idea is big or small, well-formed or still developing – this is your invitation to help shape better care at the interface.
“Let’s build a system that works better for everyone – together.”
This short guide explains how you can propose and co-design improvements through the Interface Pathway process:
Where can I find more information?
A dedicated FirstPort hub has been created to support the rollout of the Interface Pathway Co-design Process.
Here you’ll find:
- A detailed FAQ document
- The SBAR proposal template (downloadable)
- Guidance
- Contact information for support
Visit the Interface Pathway FirstPort hub here: Home – Interface Pathway Co-design Process (Please note: you must be logged into NHS Lanarkshire systems to access)
What do we mean by “pathways”?
A pathway is an agreed, step-by-step route that sets out how patients move through the health system for a specific condition or need. It describes:
- Who does what, when, and where (e.g. GP, hospital, FNC, community service)
- What patients can expect at each stage of care
- How information and responsibility are handed over between services
Pathways reduce variation and duplication, helping ensure patients receive safe, consistent care regardless of where they first present.
What is the Interface Pathway co-design process?
This step-by-step, co-ordinated approach supports staff to:
- Propose improvements or new ideas for interface pathways
- Collaborate across services to co-design and refine pathways
- Access governance support to commission, approve, publish and maintain pathways over time
How does this work?
The first step in raising ideas and starting meaningful conversations about a new pathway is to submit a specific SBAR which can be found here: Home – Interface Pathway Co-design Process
Whether you’re a GP, consultant, nurse, AHP or pharmacist, your perspective matters and can drive change.
Completed SBARs will be scored by the Pathway Scoring Matrix Group and then submitted to the Interface Pathway Commissioning and Governance Group (IPCAG), which brings together senior clinicians, managers and governance leads.
This group has the authority to:
- Review the scored proposal
- Feedback on and approve the pathway
- Commission a group to co-design the pathway
- Ensure the pathways are enacted and maintained as part of Lanarkshire’s formal pathway framework
Why does this matter?
Co-designed pathways mean:
- Better outcomes for patients – care that is joined-up, timely and easier to navigate
- Clearer roles, responsibilities and handovers across services
- System-wide improvement – changes that are consistent, transparent, and clinically led
Improving how patients navigate between primary and secondary care is one of the biggest opportunities we have to:
- Reduce unwarranted variation
- Make best use of clinical time
- Enhance patient experience
- Support sustainability across the system
- Improve relationships and understanding between primary and secondary care
Ready to submit a proposal?
Once your SBAR is complete, send it to: Lan.interfacepathways@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
