Co Design Case Study
Improving patient engagement and access to services and support
It was a pleasure to help design and facilitate a patient participation event for the Northgate Medical Practice in Canterbury.
The goal was to understand patients' needs to improve people-centred care by working closely with patients, community teams, groups and voluntary organisations.
It was amazing to see over 50 patients attend the event.
The practice is now rolling out several initiatives as a result of the ideas generated by patients and the practice team:
Changes to the way appointments are made, giving patients more access and choice
A walking and talking group set up by patients to support each other and linked to the social prescribing team and GPs who can refer patients to the group. These groups benefit patients with more long-term conditions or complex needs affecting their well-being.
A new diabetes support group in partnership with Diabetes UK.
Cancer support programmes
Patient engagement events work well with the commitment and support from the wider team: the Patient Participation Group (PPG), the Practice team, and local community organisations. This approach was a first for the Northgate Medical Practice. We had enthusiastic involvement from the multidisciplinary team throughout and collaboration with patients on the day.
This approach demonstrates the value of improving engagement between doctors, the practice staff and patients.
“We were very pleased with this initiative. There was a really positive vibe following this event. As a result, we have established several patient-centred initiatives and see the real benefits of listening to patients and collaborating with them, the PPG and voluntary organisations to design relevant solutions to suit their needs.”