The Business of Healthcare Podcast with Tara Humphrey

#340 Tackling Health Inequalities and Transforming Patient Care with Dr Neil Modha

Apr 2, 2025

Dr. Neil Modha, a GP at Thistlewall Medical Centre and chair of a GP federation, shares his innovative work tackling health inequalities within the NHS. He discusses a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at understanding frequent attenders, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care. Neil explores the balance between technology and personal wellness, pointing out the need to reduce bureaucracy for better efficiency. He reflects on strategic decision-making and the importance of collaboration in enhancing community health outcomes.

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ANECDOTE

Patient-Driven Care Innovation

Instead of focusing on medical diagnoses like uncontrolled blood pressure, Neil Modha's practice targeted frequent attenders to understand their real challenges.
They engaged patients using motivational interviewing to tailor support based on patients' own perspectives and needs.

ADVICE

Use Motivational Interviewing

Use motivational interviewing with patients to uncover their needs beyond medical symptoms.
Train social prescribers and staff to apply these skills and better support frequent attenders.

INSIGHT

Data Drives Team Support

Clinicians were initially skeptical but seeing data on attendance reductions galvanized support behind the project.
Data showing a 75% fall in GP attendance and reduced A&E visits proved the approach's value.

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In this episode of the Business of Healthcare podcast, Dr. Neil Modha discusses his work as a GP and the innovative initiatives he has implemented to address health inequalities in his community. He shares insights on a population health management pilot project aimed at understanding and supporting frequent attenders at his practice.

Neil emphasises the importance of engaging with patients to identify their challenges and the need for a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond medical diagnoses. He also discusses the funding and resources allocated to these initiatives and the challenges faced in implementing them.

The conversation highlights the significance of leadership in driving change within the healthcare system and the potential for future strategies to improve patient outcomes. In this conversation, Neil Modha discusses the challenges and opportunities within the NHS, particularly focusing on reducing red tape in workforce training and education. He emphasises the importance of balancing work and personal life, leveraging technology and AI for efficiency, and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals. Neil also reflects on the significance of strategic decision-making and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the healthcare sector.

Mentions in episode

GP automate - 28 mins Healthtech 1 - 29 mins

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Work with me   

I’m Tara Humphrey and I’m the founder of THC Primary Care, a leading healthcare consultancy. I provide project and network management to Primary Care Networks and consulting support to clinical leads. To date, I’ve worked with 11 Training Hubs and supported over 120 Primary Care Networks and 3 GP Federations. 

I understand and appreciate the complexity of healthcare and what it takes to deliver projects across multiple practices.   

I have over 20 years of project management and business development experience across the private and public sector and have an MBA in Leadership and Management in Healthcare. I’m also published in the London Journal of Primary Care and the author of over 250 blogs.   

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