SLM is crucial in order to understand the economics of services and to identify where value to patients can be improved. Through SLM, clinicians can play a far more influential role, driving performance and making better use of resources to improve quality and patient care.
There is significant variation in the definition of SLM across organisations, many using the terms SLM and service-line reporting interchangeably. Our SLM framework aims to support organisations in assessing the extent to which SLM has been implemented. It also provides an opportunity for organisations to highlight areas of good practice and to identify areas of concern or where ongoing support may be required.
The framework contains an initial set of overview questions for organisations to consider, followed by four more detailed areas on:
The framework is for foundation trusts and applicant/aspirant foundation trusts to consider in line with their SLM implementation strategy. There is a self-assessment tool here (please select 'enable macros' if prompted by Excel when opening this spreadsheet) which can be used to plot your organisation’s position and progress against the framework, the results of which can be shared between colleagues.
More detailed information on implementing SLM can be found in our five toolkits highlighted on the right-hand side of this page in Related publications.