Service Evaluation / Research
During the last two years we have undertaken various service evaluations and other research to identify whether service users of health services in Derbyshire experience any barriers and/or issues when accessing and using services. The outcomes of this work help us to identify the priorities for action.
One of these projects entailed evaluating patients’ experiences of accessing and using community based health facilities in Derbyshire The overall aim of the project was to identify the key issues affecting service users’ experience of accessing and using community based health services, with a particular focus on disability.
Over 1300 service users participated in the project. The summary of findings, following the analysis of the completed questionnaires and consultation outcomes, are set out in the project report.
It was concluded that no one site had major issues but that a number of sites and clinics had specific problems that affected patients. One consistent finding across all sites was the difficulties experienced by patients with a hearing loss, particularly where there was background noise.
The findings have been used to inform the development of action plans to resolve or minimise problems in order to improve access and the experience of healthcare.
Other projects, led by the research function, have included:
- Examining the impact of bereavement, particularly for elderly men, on eating habits and skills (which can have a resultant impact on health). If you are interested in finding out more about the results of this work, please contact Mick Bond – mick.bond@dchs.nhs.uk.
- Two initiatives which reviewed carers’ experiences. The first review focused on looking at the support young carers receive from school nurses. The second review examined the support received by parents of children with additional needs, in particular the support they receive from health visitors. This work will be completed by the end of May 2012, If you would like to find out more about the results of this work, please contact Mick Bond -mick.bond@dchs.nhs.uk. .