Jan 27, 20223 min read

Questions to aid your Primary Care Network (PCN) staff reviews and 1-2-1's

Updated: Dec 20, 2022

Many PCN Managers have line management responsibilities. If you are relatively new to line management, this short framework of questions will aid you in leading valuable staff reviews or 1-2-1s.

questions to aid your primary care network staff reviews 1-2-1's

In all of my recent PCN staff 1-2-1’s I asked the same questions to everyone:

1. What is working well?

I want to set a positive tone for the meeting. Even when I know it could be a potentially challenging review, there is always at least one good thing that someone can share. Although, I appreciate they may need encouragement to get it out of them!

2. How are you progressing on the objectives we set last time?

This question lets your team member know these objectives are important. It’s ok if things slip but you want to keep the objective/s alive and meaningful. If the objective/s continue to be unmet, you may find these are now redundant and need renewing OR this could indicate the start of a performance issue.

3. What development needs do you have?

This may be a natural follow on from the previous question. I like to include it. Learning is a tremendous success factor in PCN roles, and I believe people should be encouraged to proactively reflect on what development they need.

4. Are you happy with the level of clinical supervision, and what does this look like?

Clinical supervision can vary immensely; all PCNs and practices will do things slightly differently. As the PCN Manager, Head of Department or Clinical Lead, it’s essential that staff are supported to operate safely within their scope of practice. You need to be aware of what supervision takes place in the network and how your team perceive this.

5. What support would you like from me as your line manager?

I always try to seek clarity. I like to ask specific and direct questions to find this out. We need to know what people need and whether, in fact, we can feasibly facilitate this. Sometimes, I may use a coaching technique to help the team member take responsibility for things they should drive. But for the most part, as line managers, our role is to provide support.

Share Positive Feedback

Following our discussion, I provide my feedback. Positive affirmation is important. People want to feel; heard, valued, recognised and respected. Your PCN staff review or 1-2-1s is your opportunity to give your team this.

Thank your team and show that you care (but this, of course, needs to be genuine). A thank you means a lot.
Share positive feedback. Be specific so that they know the positive impact of their contribution.

Document Staff PCN Reviews/1-2-1s

Reviews or 1-2-1’s are important touch points. The documentation serves as an important reminder of progress (what is/is not on track), a record of personal development and any performance issues. Share the document with each team member so they have clarity and are aware of where things stand.

If you found this blog useful, you may also like;

The role of the PCN Manager.

The Role of the Clinical Lead

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About the Author

I'm Tara; I am the founder of THC Primary Care, an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the host of the Business of Healthcare Podcast.

I have over 20 years of project management and business development experience across the private and public sectors, and I have supported over 120 PCNs by providing interim management, training and consultancy.

I have managed teams across multiple sites and countries; I have an MBA in Leadership and Management in Healthcare, I'm published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and I am the author of over 250 blogs.

I have 3 children. My eldest has Asthma, my middle child has a kidney condition called Nephrotic Syndrome, and my youngest daughter has Type 1 Diabetes, so outside of work, healthcare plays a huge role in my life.