The Challenge
In today's primary care landscape, GP practices face mounting pressures to maintain quality care while managing costs and workload. Two practices found an innovative solution through DPP Connect's student placement program, each adopting a unique approach that transformed their operations and boosted their earning capacity.
Bracknell Surgery: Scaling for Success
The Journey
Starting with a single student in January 2024, this forward-thinking practice quickly recognised the potential of DPP Connect's program. Within just one year, they scaled from one student to a capacity for ten, demonstrating remarkable growth and confidence in the pogramme.
The Impact
Their last five students delivered:
- 387 QOF reviews and other clinics across diabetes, hypertension, and minor illness, averaging 77 reviews per placement
- Students becoming operational by their third day
- Additional practice income through placement fees
What makes this success story particularly noteworthy is the speed at which students became productive team members. Thanks to DPP Connect's pre-training program - worth over £1,000 and covering everything from clinical systems to consultation skills - students arrive practice-ready. The practice's rapid scaling from one to ten student capacity wasn't just about numbers – it reflected their confidence in the quality and preparation of DPP Connect students.
Northwest London GP Surgery: Innovative Time Management
A Different Approach
This two-partner surgery demonstrates how practices can integrate students effectively while maintaining efficient time management. Their innovative model has students working alongside GPs in a unique way: students review patients booked for GP appointments ahead of time, then present their findings to the GP. This collaborative approach allows the GP and student to make shared decisions about patient care. Their model includes:
- Students reviewing and presenting approximately 5-10 patients per day
- Collaborative decision-making between GP and student
- Time-neutral model where supervision time is offset by improved efficiency
- Multiple DPPs within the practice, including GPs and an experienced practice pharmacist
Growing Adoption
What started with one student has evolved into a practice-wide initiative, with a second partner joining and their experienced practice pharmacist becoming a DPP. This organic growth demonstrates the model's effectiveness and appeal.
Key Success Factors
Both practices overcame initial concerns about time commitment through:
- Comprehensive pre-training of students
- Flexible 12-week program (one day per week)
- Quality-assured student selection
- Clear structure and support from DPP Connect
The Bottom Line
These case studies demonstrate how different practices can successfully integrate student placements to:
- Generate additional income (£1,500 per placement)
- Support QOF target achievement
- Maintain efficient time management
- Create sustainable training programmes
“Their pre-training means I can focus on their clinical skills rather than teaching EMIS basics”
Dr Merali - GP Partner
With over 30 GP practices now part of the DPP Connect network, these success stories represent a growing movement in practice innovation and development.
Ready to Transform Your Practice?
Contact DPP Connect to discuss how you can get involved. Call 0204 559 9440, email info@dppconnect.co.uk or complete registration of interest form here: www.dppconnect.co.uk/interested05