A partnership approach

Janssen Healthcare Innovation (JHI) approached South Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (SEPT) to develop, trial and implement the Maintaining Adherence Programme (MAP) through one of the first joint working agreements between the NHS and an industry partner in mental health.

We are very proud of what this innovative project has achieved so far – and it has felt like a true partnership on many levels. It was evident JHI shared the trust’s desire to further improve quality of care and patient experience in mental health by increasing patient adherence, but not just in terms of medication.

‘We are very proud of what this innovative project has achieved so far – and it has felt like a true partnership on many levels’

JHI first approached our team at SEPT to discuss a new model of evidence-based care for people with schizophrenia, schizo-affective and bipolar affective disorders, based on research by Dr Werner Kissling in Germany.

We worked together to adapt and further develop the model for patients in the UK in order to improve clinical outcomes. It was immediately clear from our work together that we shared values, and this has been one of the keys to our success.

Joint project team

Once the joint working agreement was in place, we formed a joint project management team to drive the trial of the model forward and JHI’s expertise has helped underpin this. In my experience this has been gold standard project management, with both parties working hard to overcome all the difficulties faced by such an innovation.

We have also ensured maximum transparency, with a joint project board established to ensure robust oversight and governance. In addition to the project management and technological support, we worked together with a variety of key clinical experts through Janssen’s longstanding work in mental health.

‘Over the course of the pilot, our shared commitment to making MAP a success has been unwavering’

Over the course of the pilot, our shared commitment to making MAP a success has been unwavering. Together we regularly evaluate the programme, and continue to work to develop the approach to better meet the needs of our patients. The energy and drive from both parties has strengthened as we have evidenced the day-to-day clinical impact on the patients taking part in the pilot.

My experience of this pilot has been both rewarding and, at times, humbling with MAP directly benefiting patients and clinicians in such a tangible way.

Our most recent interim results from trial data show significantly improved clinical outcomes, extremely satisfied patients, a highly motivated clinical team; and there have been financial benefits, too.

MAP has been genuinely transformational both for our clinical practice and our patients. We look forward to continuing our innovative partnership with JHI as we roll out the new model across the rest of the trust.

Andy Higby is interim project manager, South Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust