How The Lancaster Model Works: An Overview

The Lancaster Model provides the structures, frameworks and approaches to guide, support and evidence practice, interventions and services through the process of redesign.

There are two elements to the model, a sustainable health needs assessment process providing a cyclical approach of staged contacts to evidence the needs of children, young people and their families and a work force skill mix strategy which utilises the skills and competencies of the existing workforce, whilst developing and directing the future workforce. The Lancaster Model provides a vehicle to deliver the Healthy Child Programme 5-19 years (2009) and a continuum of information and data to direct and influence the commissioning process and improve service provision and outcomes.

There are three stages the redesign will cover.

Early identification of Need

An effective Health Needs Assessment Process based on Health Development Reviews to support and implement The Healthy Child Programme 5-19 year (2009).

• Staged contacts at school entry, year 6 and mid teens
• Health Development Reviews to assess universal health, risk and protective factors, family health, emotional health & wellbeing, Lifestyle choices, lifestyle Behaviour and services
• A universal approach to include all children and young people at transition points
• A proactive method to uncover hidden need leading to early intervention

Leadership, Facilitation and Follow up

A skills analysis process to identify the proficiency and competency of team members, examining boundaries of practice, role overlap, accountability and responsibility. Aiming to enhance efficiency and effectiveness with the overall result of increased productivity.

• A structured follow up procedure to support individuals with an identified need
• Referral pathways to ensure notification to the appropriate service/intervention
• Redirected resources based on evidence
• Utilisation of team skills and competencies
• Up to date public health data to support and direct practice delivery across integrated teams

Evidence of Outcomes

Measureable outcomes based on the results from the health needs assessment process and the assessment criteria in the Healthy Child Programme 5-19 years (2009).

• Activity measurements
• A process to evaluate
• A framework to performance manage staff
• A sustainable, cyclical system to influence the commissioning cycle