PCN Teams: WP3b In-depth comparative case study of PCNs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Skill mixes in primary care: a mixed methods study of the deployment of new and extended roles in Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in England (PCN Teams): WP3b In-depth comparative case study of PCNs
IRAS ID
352692
Contact name
Heather Gage
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research Registry, researchregistry11681
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
PCN Teams Project: Background
General practice is under pressure due to a shortage of doctors to meet population needs. In 2020 a policy called the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) provided funding for additional healthcare staff in practices, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, paramedics and social prescribers. Groups of practices, known as Primary Care Networks (PCNs), decide on additional staff and how they are shared across practices. Funding is used differently by PCNs, for many different types of healthcare staff or only a few new roles. The PCN Teams project aims to improve understanding of skill mix variability (different combinations and types of healthcare staff) among PCNs in England, how decisions are made and the impact on performance. Findings will be available to the public, service planners, GP teams and policy makers to inform future workforce planning.Four work packages explore differences in PCN use of extra funding for the provision of care and what this means in practice (e.g. impacts on team working and quality of care). Work packages 1 and 2 involve statistical analysis of routine NHS England data to explore different combinations of healthcare staff in general practices. Work package 3 involves a survey of PCNs across England (WP3a) and in-depth case studies in different regions of England (WP3b). In work package 4, primary care staff, service planners and service users will review findings and agree recommendations on staffing decisions for PCNs.
WP3b: Comparative Case Study
The focus of this application is work package 3b. This is an in-depth comparative case study of a varied sample of PCNs using qualitative interview methods. Participants will be recruited at three levels: the Integrated Care Board (ICB, parent organisation involved in budget allocation); the PCN (directors and managers); and individual general practices (staff and patient representatives).REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
26/WS/0064
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion