Improving Patient Involvement in Care Decisions

Project leaders:

Terence Kelly and Melissa Brechin

Location

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Summary of initiative:

A recent local audit undertaken by the stroke team using the Essence of Care benchmarking tools indicated that patients and carers currently have limited access to information and participation in the goal setting process. Evidence from a recent stroke users forum suggested that following a stroke patients find it difficult to receive information and communicate effectively. However, these patients were very keen that their relatives and carers were given up to date information to allow them to have influence care decisions.

Patient and Public Involvement in Health: the Evidence for Policy Implementation (Department of Health, 2004) reviews and summarises twelve pieces of research about patient and public involvement. The report shows that patient involvement
improves patient satisfaction and is rewarding for professionals.

In response, this project is aiming to improve patient involvement in care decisions using methods that enable the participation of the mutlidisciplinary team and patients and carers in exploring how effective involvement can be achieved and evaluated.

References:

Department of Health (2004) Patient and Public Involvement in Health: the Evidence for Policy Implementation. HMSO: London.

Further resources:

Download a powerpoint presentation that has been used to present background information to staff and patient groups

For further information about this project please contact: Terence.Kelly@CMMC.nhs.uk or melissa.brechin@gmccardiacnetwork.nhs.uk

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