Feature / New online modules

Two new HFMA e-learning modules examine NHS commissioning and delivering sustainable cost improvement programmes

The HFMA has continued the development of its e-learning programme with the introduction of two modules. The modules aim to create a better understanding of two of the most important issues facing the health service – the identification and delivery of cost improvements and the changes in commissioning in England.

The courses are set at an introductory level and no prior knowledge is required. Introduction to commissioning is aimed at non-finance professionals, including primary care clinicians, practice managers and staff, budget holders, non-executive directors and lay governing body members. It would also be suitable for finance staff who are new to the NHS.

The module has six sections. The first defines commissioning and looks at how it fits with health needs and services and NHS principles, including behavioural rules such as those set by the NHS Constitution, competition regulations and codes of conduct.

Other sections examine how commissioning operates now and how it will look from April next year when the government reforms are implemented in full. The latter answers questions on what the NHS will look like following the commissioning reforms, the role of the NHS Commissioning Board and clinical commissioning groups and how commissioning will differ in the new landscape.

The module also teases out the responsibilities of local authorities and new bodies, such as health and wellbeing boards and local Healthwatch groups. A section on approaches to commissioning looks at partnerships with local authorities, lead commissioning and the role of clinical networks and senates.

As well as looking at the new structures, the course examines the practical side of commissioning, picking apart the process and giving a step-by-step guide to the commissioning cycle. This section of the module highlights areas such as assessing need, deciding priorities, designing services and performance management.

The commissioning module offers learning that is relevant to a number of knowledge and skills framework dimensions. These are: core dimension 4 (service improvement – level 3); and general dimensions G3 (procurement and commissioning – level 2); G4 (financial management – level 3); and G5 (services and project management – level 3).

The second new module, Introduction to cost improvement programmes, was developed in conjunction with the Audit Commission and Monitor and is based on their joint publication, Delivering sustainable cost improvement programmes. As with the commissioning module, it is aimed at non-finance professionals, non-executives, lay governors and finance staff who are new to the NHS.

The module defines cost improvement programmes (CIPs), explains the difference between recurrent and non-recurrent savings and looks at the types of CIPs used in the NHS.

It looks at CIPs planning, including how five-year plans are developed, the importance of contingencies and the management of CIPs, as well as how ideas for CIPs are generated, assessment and ranking of potential schemes and the development of business plans.

CIPs delivery is examined, including how delivery risks are managed, together with monitoring and reporting of the results. This includes a look at performance indicators and reporting levels. The importance of good quality data is stressed throughout.

It also looks one stage further to the assessment and evaluation of a CIP. This section of the module looks at the approach to evaluating CIPs, how to review the CIP process and the role that the finance department should play in the assessment process.