Patient participation in service improvement: the initial Measures Project experience

BACKGROUND: 'Measures' is a 2-year, part-funded European Community project. It began in March 1998 and has, as its primary foci, the aims of continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care by, (1) re-examining healthcare processes and (2) determining how best to take advantage of information technology. Central to this has been patient involvement in the project. Initially the project is focused on aspects of rheumatology, diabetes and spinal injury services based across Pinderfields and Pontefract NHS Hospitals Trust. APPROACH: Patient questionnaires, interactive cross-specialty and individual specialty focus groups have been employed. The re-enforcement of relationships with voluntary organizations has featured prominently. CONCLUSION: Initial perception from patients participating in the process is highly positive and supportive. Specific areas to be considered for change have been addressed.