These are then clustered into groupings to match the dosage and time requirement. Journey data is supplied in a spreadsheet, with a map providing a visualisation of the routes for the vaccinators, each location being shown as a dot on the map. The team was able to quickly model the specified requirements and provide clients with optimised routes in a relatively short timeframe. Esri GIS Network Analyst routing tools are very configurable and were ideal for solving the vaccination logistical challenges presented. Using Esri GIS software, it was possible to react extremely quickly to the request and build the original model and procedures in less than two weeks, from the initial contact on 22 January, to launching a full solution to the PCN on 4 February. The sophisticated modelling also builds in other relevant factors, including staff breaks, households with more than one patient, the time taken to ring the doorbell, chat with the patient, give the jab, and sit with each patient for 15 minutes recovery. Each route is sequenced from start to finish, with the mapping tool recommending the order in which visits are made. Using this data, the geospatial analysis creates the fewest number of trips needed over the time period. This was achieved by modelling a structured data set that contains a unique patient identifier, such as NHS or EMIS system number and the full address, to pinpoint specific house locations. The approach adopted by the GIS team involved taking all the patient addresses and planning the optimal routing to cover as many patients as possible, in as few journeys, so they could fit within the time window for each vial. Within this time, up to 11 jabs need to be completed Once open, the vial contents last six hours.The vaccine vial contains 11 doses and it is critical to use all doses and not waste any.What time of day do vaccinators start and what time do they plan to finish?.Where is the vaccine stored? Where does it need to be collected from? This is usually one central place in a PCN area.In planning how vaccinators visit patients, there were a few parameters to consider: The need quickly escalated, as a second PCN in Somerset also urgently needed a solution for its 200 housebound patients. And this was how the GIS team at the NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit become involved. Allison Nation, Associate Director of Digital Strategy for Somerset CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group), was soon asked by one of her PCN GPs if there was some clever technology that could help. The approach to delivering this first round of vaccinations turned out to be quite hectic. But how do you make sure housebound patients receive their vaccines in the most efficient way? Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Somerset pondered this question as they began to rapidly roll out their Covid-19 vaccination programme. We all know that vaccinations are the key to getting through the pandemic. Satellite Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT).
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