Key findings

The CORRECT framework identified seventeen improvement projects as strong candidates in terms of potential for spread or scale.

Five of the projects in the ‘strong’ category have already been spread or scaled indicating the validity of using the CORRECT framework in this context.

Learning from SHTG’s report will be used to inform the Service Reform team’s discussions with policy leads and health and care stakeholders.

The CORRECT framework comprises seven project variables deemed essential for spread or scale of a health innovation. One point is awarded for each variable where there was enough relevant information to satisfy the criteria. Projects were grouped as ‘strong’, ‘medium’, and ‘weak’ based on the following range of scores: 6-7, 4-5, and 0-3 respectively. Points were often lost due to a lack of detail, clarity, or structure in the project summary.

Potential for spread or scale is not a full endorsement of the ‘value’ or service impact of the project to health and care in Scotland. Health technology assessments are required to help ascertain the relative clinical, cost, and service impact of the projects before making a decision to spread or scale.
Following this, the most appropriate methods to support implementation should be considered.

What were we asked to look at?

We were asked to conduct a high level assessment of the potential for spread or scale of 31 improvement projects from across Health and Social Care in Scotland. The projects were identified from 226 posters presented at the 2018 NHS Scotland Event. After meeting with the project teams, the Service Reform Division summarised the 31 projects in the ‘Finding a Way Forward’ report.

Why is this important?

Whilst not all local projects are suitable or appropriate for wider spread across NHS Boards or Health and Social Care Partnerships, services in Scotland may be missing opportunities for shared learning to improve health and care more widely. Assessing improvement and innovation projects for their potential for spread or scale is important to identify those projects that can have a positive impact at national level.

Referred by

The Service Reform Division of the Scottish Government