ℹ️ Introduction
This article explains how to accurately record Local Contract activity in SystmOne using the Ardens resources. By the end of this article, you will understand how to ensure activity is captured correctly for reporting and payment.
Background
Local Contracts require activity to be recorded in a consistent and standardised way to ensure accurate monitoring and payment. In most cases, this activity is captured directly from SystmOne and extracted into Ardens Manager dashboards.
Using the correct codes, templates and consultation structure is essential to ensure activity is included.
How Ardens Can Help
Ardens provides a suite of resources to support the delivery and accurate recording of Local Contract activity, including:
Clinical templates aligned to Local Contract requirements
Standardised coding for consistent data capture
Automatic data extraction into dashboards
Reduced need for manual submissions or retrospective data clean-up
✅Included in Ardens Manager Local Content package: Interested in finding out more or requesting a trial? Contact accounts@ardens.org.uk
📝 Record Activity
Accurate activity recording relies on using the correct Ardens templates to ensure consistent coding and inclusion in reporting.
Using the correct templates helps ensure:
Activity is correctly counted towards contract achievement.
All required information is recorded.
Activity is captured accurately for reporting and payment.
Clinical best practice is followed.
National Templates
Clinicians are encouraged to use the Ardens national templates to record local contract activity. The templates accessed depend on the type of consultation being provided, for example, to record a wound dressing, access the Ardens Wound Management template.
All national templates are accessed in the normal way, via auto-consultations or the F12 launcher.
Within the template, yellow stars highlight the fields required for Local Contract data capture.
Localisation Index Template
The Localisation Index Template provides guidance on the data required for each local service. While it is not intended for use during live clinical consultations, it is useful for reviewing overall contract requirements and accessing supporting guidance.
Administrative staff may also find it helpful to retrospectively add codes, for example, when completing data quality work.
The template can be accessed via auto-consultations (Auto consultations > ardens CONTRACTS > Local Contracts ) or the F12 launcher.
The Home tab provides links to the different sections of the template, each aligned to areas of the local service specifications. It also includes a link to further information on the Service Specifications.
You can navigate using these links or the tabs at the top to view the required data entry fields for each service. Selecting a field will display the relevant codes, and any previously added codes will appear in the right-hand pane. This allows users to identify missing entries and add or backdate codes where needed.
Each tab may also include shortcuts to relevant national templates. Within these, key Local Contract codes are highlighted with a yellow star and supported by additional codes aligned to best practice and national guidance.
If accessing a national template, selecting the yellow star icon will open the Local Contract template for quick reference.
✍️ Recording Separate Events
If more than one local contract‑related activity is completed (for example, wound care on both a patient’s arm and leg), each activity must be recorded as a separate event.
To record multiple activities correctly:
Complete and save the first template
Click Next Event on the toolbar
Open the relevant template again
Record the next activity
This creates individual activity records, ensuring each is included in contract reporting.
❓ FAQs
Do I need to use an Ardens Template?
Yes. Using Ardens templates ensures the correct codes are recorded and included in reporting.
Can I record multiple activities in one consultation?
Yes, but each activity must be recorded using Next Event so they count separately.
Not all my local specifications have a yellow star on the national template?
Some requirements are specific to local commissioning. We recommend reviewing the Local Contracts Index Template to ensure all indicators are understood.
🏫 Additional Support
To further your understanding of the Ardens Manager platform:
Book training for your GP Practice, PCN or ICB
Complete the Getting Started with Ardens Manager academy module
Contact our Support Team for support in real time