Introduction

One of the most common questions we hear from NHS ICBs and local authorities is: "How does Joy fit in with our existing Directory of Services (DoS)?"

What we’ve found is that every Local Authority we speak with has one, but the usage and maintenance of varies wildly depending on the resources allocated. Some are well-embedded in health and care pathways, while others are underutilized.

Joy is designed to work alongside, enhance, or fully integrate with existing DoS, ensuring healthcare professionals, VCSE providers, and residents can easily access the most relevant services. Below, we explore three main approaches to how Joy can be used in tandem with an existing DoS.

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1. Using Joy Side-by-Side with an Existing DoS

We find this approach works best when there is a DoS that is currently being maintained and used well by certain user-groups. Joy can expand these users to include those from either primary, secondary or social care.

How It Works:

• Bulk upload existing DoS listings into Joy’s Marketplace so users can access them via Joy.
• Maintain existing referral pathways while adding new referral routes via Joy from EMIS/SystmOne and other Trust/Social Care systems.
• Builds on top of current workflows, expanding referral options for GPs, care coordinators, and other staff working directly from clinical systems.

Pros:

• Keeps familiar workflows intact, reducing disruption.
• Allows GPs and other care teams to engage with preventative services from existing systems.

Cons:

• VCSE providers or Community Managers may need to manage two separate information listings and referral pathways.
• Marketplace Managers must ensure that data remains up-to-date across both platforms.
• Data is captured via 2 separate challenges, presenting difficulties and resource in capturing or collating the data.

Example: Many Joy PCN users were keeping their own spreadsheets of local services. A shared Marketplace makes this resource available for all and enables direct referrals. For anything outside of the local service information kept, third party local directories are used and manual referrals made.

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2. Using Joy as the Primary Directory of Services

Many teams are using the opportunity presented by the INT operational guidance to re-evaluate how their DoS is deployed, ensuring it better aligns with integrated care priorities.

How It Works:

• Joy absorbs existing directory data via bulk upload, streamlining all referral pathways into one source.
• Creates a single source of truth for healthcare or social care staff and patients.
• Joy supports keeping listings up-to-date with AI and controls for listings that may no longer exist.

Pros:

• Eliminates duplication - one fully integrated system.
• Standardizes data collection, enabling real-time tracking of referrals, uptake, and outcomes.
• Often replaces fragmented sources of data (eg. spreadhseets and other DoS’s), reducing admin burden across the patch.

Cons:

• Requires initial effort to consolidate data from multiple sources.
• Some areas may hesitate to move away from existing systems that have had significant investment.

Example: In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB, Joy now acts as the core system for community referrals, improving both efficiency and reporting.

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3. API Integration - Pulling in Existing DoS Listings

In some cases, where significant investment has been made into the building, maintenance, and usage of the local DoS, it makes sense to share this information to the Joy Marketplace. This allows information asymmetry, and gives the user a wider range of listing options than previously possible.

How It Works:

• Instead of replacing the DoS, Joy integrates with it via API, allowing services listed on external platforms to appear within Joy.
• The existing DoS must adhere to the Open Referral UK standards.
• Updates in the DoS automatically reflect in Joy, ensuring consistency.
• Users can browse service listings within Joy’s Marketplace while keeping existing DoS infrastructure intact.

Pros:

• Ensures all directory information stays current without manual duplication.
• Works well when an existing DoS has already been widely adopted and customized.
• Supports gradual transition toward a more integrated referral ecosystem.

Cons:

• Requires technical integration work upfront.
• Data on referrals made outside of Joy pathways is not captured, meaning some analytics insights may be lost.
• Services cannot receive direct referrals through Joy unless additional integration steps are taken.

Example: Norfolk and Waveney are using an API connection to integrate their current DoS’s with Joy’s Marketplace, reducing duplication while allowing healthcare teams to access all listings in one place.

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The Joy Suite: Driving Meaningful Use of Local Services

Beyond just listing services, Joy ensures preventative care services are actually used by staff and patients.

Here’s how we do it:

• JoyConnect and JoyConnect Universal: Enables referrals directly from EMIS, SystmOne, and Trust or Social Care systems, embedding community support into clinical workflows.
• Targeted Service Visibility: Ensures the most relevant services for local health inequalities are surfaced first.
• Simplified Referrals: Four to five clicks to complete a referral, reducing admin burden for clinicians and staff.
• Real-Time Data and Reporting: Tracks where health professionals and patients are referring and signposting to, improving commissioning insights.

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Who Benefits Most?

• ICBs and Local Authorities: Gain a comprehensive view of referral pathways, making it easier to commission services effectively by identifying gaps in service provision.
• Primary Care Teams: Reduce administrative burden and integrate preventative care into patient pathways seamlessly.
• VCSE Providers: Benefit from increased visibility, reducing the reliance on outdated spreadsheets and manual tracking.
• Patients: Access services more easily with clearer referral routes and a simplified process.

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Best Practices for Using Joy with a DoS

• Community engagement teams: Regular liaison with VCSE and service providers helps keep listings relevant.
• Encourage up-to-date listings: Providing clear descriptions, accurate locations, and relevant contact details ensures patients can access services effectively.
• Stakeholder buy-in: Engage residents, clinicians, and local authority teams early to drive adoption.
• Ongoing directory management: While Joy has processes to help keep listings accurate, community engagement roles often play a key role in managing and mapping local assets.
• Localized Neighbourhood Customization: Joy can be tailored to specific INT needs, ensuring hyper-local relevance to patients and staff.

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Get in touch

Interested in discussing the options for your organisation? Schedule a consultation to see how Joy can optimize your preventative care strategy.

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