Here is an opportunity to register with the Contacts, Help, Advice & Information Network (CHAIN), an international e-communications system that I can recommend. I am sure you will have much to contribute to this important medium for sharing best practice and knowledge transfer.
CHAIN, originated 12 years ago in the NHS Research & Development programme in England and has since grown into a not-for profit international online community of over 7,000 people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with each other. The community includes frontline healthcare practitioners from all professions, managers, educators, researchers and knowledge specialists. It is currently funded by a consortium of 12 supporters including the National Institute for Health Research, NHS Institute for Innovation & Improvement and Macmillan Cancer Support. In Scotland, CHAIN is sponsored by Robert Gordon University, the Scottish Government Health Directorates and the Scottish School of Primary Care, and in Ireland CHAIN is sponsored by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and the Health Service Executive (Republic of Ireland). Sister networks exist in Canada, Australia and Scandinavia forming an international pool of tacit knowledge and mutual support for health care professionals.
Recent developments also include the establishment of facilitated sub-groups focusing on Mentoring & Coaching, Self-management of long term conditions, Improving Patients’ Experience, Quality Improvement and Patient and Public Involvement.
Membership is FREE, and members may join the network, update their records or leave at any time Go to the CHAIN website for further information (including an external evaluation published in BMJ), and an online joining form, (click ‘Join’ for the membership form).
