The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has announced a new strategy with three main priorities: educating physicians and supporting them to fulfil their potential; improving health and care and leading the prevention of ill health across communities; and influencing the way that healthcare is designed and delivered.
The new strategy was due in 2020 but delayed by the pandemic. After a period in which the pivotal role of physicians all over the world has been demonstrated, along with the challenges faced by healthcare systems, the broad principles of the strategy remain the same but the context and focus have changed.
The past 2 years have been extremely challenging for the RCP finances. All activities included in the last strategy have been reviewed and while the financial position has been stabilised, all new work will be focused on achieving the three priorities while maximising resources.
The 2022-24 strategy was produced following consultation with the RCP’s membership and its many stakeholders. Its success will rely upon continued engagement with them and with patients and carers. It also requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion, good governance and sustainability from throughout the organisation.
Andrew Goddard, RCP president, said: “The RCP has a vital role to play as we emerge from COVID-19 and this strategy, clear-sighted in its three priorities, will ensure that we deliver what our members need and that the patients we all serve benefit from the best possible health and care.”
Educating
The RCP will provide a suite of robust and fit-for-purpose examinations; develop and support the implementation of appropriate curricula, training pathways and credentials; develop innovative education, across a variety of platforms, specific to evolving professional roles; support continuing professional development; support clinicians to develop skills in leadership, education, research, improvement methodology and implementation science; and encourage medical best practice through its journals and wider publishing programme.
Improving
The RCP will build networks and communities to support the physician community to lead and deliver improvements in practice; build an online portal to support networking and sharing of best practice and innovation; collaborate and partner with national improvement activity and deliver programmes such as national audit and accreditation and invited service reviews; contribute to developments in digital healthcare; develop expert clinical guidance with partner organisations and medical specialty colleagues; and develop patient safety skills in medical teams.
Influencing
The RCP will maintain a constant awareness and understanding of developments in health and care policy and practice, drawn from its members and partners and through involvement in political systems; develop RCP policy and influencing strategies to inform fellows and members through publications and other communications; provide insight into the medical workforce and healthcare systems with accurate data and informed analysis; promote equality of access to good health and care; encourage a more consistently research-active NHS; and use strategic communications, engagement and the RCP’s heritage to place the physician workforce and patients at the forefront of public debate about health.
Read the RCP’s new strategy here.
