| Feasibility: issues raised | The programme was felt to be ambitious but largely feasible, although the feasibility of achieving HCP change in practice was raised, in particular how liaison between the co-ordinating office and GPs will be provided | Overall, this arm was reported as ambitious and resource intensive, with potential difficult issues around recruiting and retaining educators | Broadly feasible to implement but risks of being too narrowly focused on one group and whether or not overworked NHS services can tolerate increased workloads |
| Suggestions | Good-quality and reliable computer system essential
Need consortia buy-in from early stages | To combine or condense the 14 modules into a shorter training course
To offer yearly refresher training for lay educators, and partner lay educators with professional educators | Need to ensure everyone relevant is included
Use Asian TV and partner with other organisations and community groups |
| Barriers: issues raised | HCP resistance to change was reported as the most likely barrier, although other considerations such as the need for a secure and reliable computer programme to manage this were also raised | Too many modules
People who think they know an area will opt out and miss vital knowledge
Big time commitment for families or professionals | Issues with HCPs’, teachers’ and parents’ lack of time, but also lack of knowledge and training or lack of interest in working this way |
| Suggestions | It was suggested that strong support from the new GP consortia and linking this arm closely to the education and training modules would assist in overcoming barriers | To offer whole course as a fixed set, not to allow people to choose which modules to take
Sessions could be 30 minutes to 1 hour, whole programme about 4 hours | Could integrate awareness into existing classes |
| Resources | Reviewers identified that the staff required to run the co-ordinating centre and the cost of increased service demands would need to be accounted for
Concerns were raised over long-term sustainability without research funding | Will need to develop electronic and hard-copy back-up resources for each module
Resources to recruit and train lay educators, and pay for time spent on educating others, plus venues | Will need to have resources and clinical ability to support any changes in expectations or behaviours, linked to term sustainability/resources to embed this |
| Suggestions | | Will need expert medical backup to ensure content of modules up to date | Get buy in from right people, time and effort to get people on board |
