Heather Sturgess

And would your charity like to take part in research to find out more?

For many years, we’ve worked with primary healthcare professionals to understand their awareness of charities, what information they need around specific conditions, and how well charity services are cutting through.

With government ministers looking to improve the first draft of the NHS 10-year plan, the details are still up in the air. But with Wes Streeting signalling a shift from hospitals to community care and a renewed focus on early intervention, it’s possible that primary care will be front and centre. 

In light of this, we wanted to share answers from a question we asked GPs, practice nurses and community nurses back in 2023:

How can charities help you in your work?

It’s a question that gets to the heart of how charities can support and strengthen the primary care system. Amongst many suggestions, three areas were talked about frequently by healthcare professionals: how invaluable charity support is in plugging gaps, the importance of visibility of charity services and a strong desire for training and education from charities.  

1. Healthcare professionals value the support charities give to patients

Healthcare professionals told us how much they value the holistic, non-clinical support charities can offer, especially when that support fills the gaps left by an overstretched NHS. From emotional support and patient advocacy, to help with finances, transport, or information, charities were seen as crucial partners in providing care that goes beyond the medical. They also expressed a preference for charities having a visible local presence, engaging in communities and being visible at the point of need.

“Take on certain psychosocial and holistic aspects without adding to GP workload.” - GP

“Provide services where there is a gap in what is provided by the NHS but a clear need for my patients.” – GP with ICB role

“Be more visible come to health centres or GP attend community events and distribute leaflets, emails targeted to health professional.” – Community nurse

2. They want easy access to information about services

Healthcare professionals expressed wanting charities to share information about the services offered and how to refer patients to them. Crucially healthcare professionals wanted these services to be easy to access with options for patients to self-refer.  

“Direct referral pathways from primary care and increased presence for patients to self-refer.” – GP with ICB role

“Give clear, concise, simple information on what services they can offer and how to contact them.” – Practice nurse

Healthcare professionals are important gatekeepers signposting services and information to patients. Are healthcare professionals aware of the services and advice you offer?  

3. Clinicians want training and educational support from charities

There was also a strong appetite for training from charities, especially training that’s free, online, and based on practical experience. One GP put it plainly:

“Most GPs do not have a study budget, so have to pay for any courses & training themselves. They often have very little study leave, so attending a course means using a day's annual leave and having to pay for the course. Free, online training for GPs about up-to-date research & best practice in the condition would be helpful.” – GP

There’s also real value in charities sharing educational resources for patients, helping HCPs give patients more information, without adding to their already stretched time.

“Provide education and support to patients outside of the consultation resource. Tools for GPs and educational programs for GPs.” – GP with ICB role

Would you be interested in research with primary healthcare professionals?

After taking a break last year, we’re now exploring the idea of rerunning this research with GPs, practice nurses and community nurses. We would love to know if you are working with this audience and whether this research could help measure your impact and relationships with healthcare professionals.  

Would you be interested in a short call to find out more about taking part?

👉 Click here to get in touch and arrange a call

Or drop us an email directly at healthcare@nfpresearch.com

We’d love to explore how this research could help your charity deepen its impact with the people delivering frontline care.