Kent Practitioner Advice Support Scheme (PASS)

Information for GDPs

Background

The recognised increase both in stress and regulation in dentistry together with the increasing number of PAG referrals has resulted in more and more dentists needing help of differing degrees.  Whilst LDCs have always given advice to practitioners with various issues on an unofficial basis there is now a push nationally for LDCs to put in place PASS schemes.  The official recognition of PASS schemes will facilitate the signposting of dentists who can benefit from these schemes with the objective of better patient care and resolution of issues at an early stage to the benefit of all. 

Aims

• To provide an initial, confidential and informal point of contact for non-maliciously raised concerns whether it be by self-referral or from the profession or professional bodies (this includes colleagues, dental practice advisors, NHS England, GDC, CQC, Deanery, Indemnity Providers & LDC)
• To support dentists whose performance is recognised by themselves or by others as potentially causing concern and provide support at an appropriate level
• To help protect patients and dentists from possible harm
• To signpost dentists to other sources of help where appropriate.

Objectives

• To resolve performance issues before they are escalated to formal NHS Performance Procedures or the GDC
• To provide support and advice for dentists with difficulties
• To demonstrate to the public, politicians and the profession that the issue of sub-optimal performance is being addressed responsibly and appropriately 

Scope and Acceptance Criteria 

The scheme is available to:

• Any NHS dentist who has progressed beyond foundation training.
• Private dentists can use the scheme but would have to be self-funded. 

The scheme is not normally available to:

• Foundation Dentists who will have recourse to their scheme organisers and program managers and ultimately the Deanery.
• PLVE dentists who should be looked after by their clinical supervisors (N.B. in some cases the scheme may however be appropriate). 

The scheme will deal with cases involving:

• Communication
• Confidence
• Practice management problems
• Career matters
• Challenges and obstacles affecting a dentist’s performance at work
• Stress
• Clinical concerns

The scheme will not normally deal with the following types of cases but can refer the case on (if appropriate and with agreement) to the relevant organisation such as Deanery/HEE Office, NHS England, The Dentists Health Support Program and in extreme cases the GDC:

• Contract management – no other aspects of poor performance
• Education and training issues (for example dentists with GDC undertakings or who

have been recommended a formal mentoring or educational program)

• Alcohol and substance misuse issues
• Health issues that are the main reason for the poor performance
• Suspected fraud/criminal activity
• Poor performance that has already caused harm (physical, mental or financial) to

patients/practice staff/public  

PASS Facilitator

Once a dentist has been accepted into the PASS scheme an appropriately trained facilitator with the relevant skills for the case will be appointed who will normally be a member of the LDC.  The role of the facilitator is pastoral offering advice and guidance on:

• Understanding the processes of NHS England, the GDC and the CQC
• Provide signposting to organisations which can provide specific required specialist help for addiction, mental health or debt advice services
• Support the individual to action the requirements laid out by their Defence Organisation, NHS England, the GDC or the CQC where the nature of those requirements fall into the scope of the scheme as above
• Assist the individual to access appropriate educational resources as part of a Personal Development Plan (PDP)

The role does not extend to:

• Designing PDPs
• Formal Coaching and Mentoring in managing conditions and undertakings
• Negotiation or communication with external bodies on behalf of the practitioner

(NB whilst this falls outside of the remit for PASS it may fall into the support the LDC can offer separately) 

Funding:

Level 1 – Less than or equal to 3 sessions: 

It is anticipated that most cases will fall into level 1 funding which will be covered by the LDC up to 3 sessions at the current guild rate.

Level 2 – more than 3 sessions:

This will apply to more complex cases or when the dentist requests this.  The additional session will be funded by the dentist at the current guild rate and paid directly to the LDC.

Contact:

The KLDC is always available for advice and sign-posting in any given circumstance. Confidential contact for PASS enquiries or other matters is via the Secretary secretary@kldc.org.uk

PASS for KLDC Website Sept 2019