Using patient experiences to develop services for chronic pain

The aim of this study was to improve the overall experience for patients using chronic pain services at a large teaching hospital in England. Experience-based co-design methodology was used to gain a greater understanding of patients' experiences and to produce a list of priorities for change when improving the patient experience.

A total of seven video-recorded patient interviews were conducted to capture a range of patient experiences of using the chronic pain service. The interviews were analysed to identify 'touchpoints' which are areas in which patients experienced a heightened emotional response to their interaction with the service or staff. A short trigger film was compiled to illustrate these touchpoints to staff and gain their commitment to improve patients' experiences when using the service. A patient experience event was held at which patients discussed the touchpoints and identified the most significant areas for change that would improve their experiences of using the chronic pain service.

A wide range of touchpoints were identified. The lack of information provided before arriving for a procedure and the need for a short debrief after clinic were prioritised for improvement. Patients valued the development of good relationships with clinic staff and feeling properly listened to for the first time. The patient experience event allowed the key points patients would like to know before a procedure, to be drawn up in a list, which could be passed onto staff.

This study featured collaboration between patients and staff to improve patients' experiences of using chronic pain services. Through patient participation, a comprehensive list of recommendations for service improvement was produced, and possible solutions were identified. The involvement of patients in driving change and re-designing services is shaping a more patient-centred chronic pain clinic and improving the experience for all the patients who use the service.