Developing the Toolkit

Based on the Welsh Epilepsy Unit Question Prompt Sheet, and with permission from its author, Dr Paul Kinnersley, several drafts of the booklet were developed in consultation with key health professionals and cross sections of Croydon residents.

An advanced draft was pre-tested at a Health Commissioning event in January 2012, limited copies were distributed, and a second edition was published in June to correct few errors and incorporate initial feedback received from stakeholders.

The second edition of the tool was promoted through different channels including the Shadow Healthwatch e-network newsletters, health fairs and forums, and presentations made to various community groups to explain its aims, use and importance of completing the feedback form. Copies were put on display in libraries, GP Surgeries, Out-Patient Clinic at the Croydon University Hospital, and community centres.

Further reviews of the tool and its effectiveness led to us receiving an award from One Croydon Alliance Local Partnership Scheme to implement a project titled ‘Expansion of GP Partnership Tool within Croydon and environs. The project has three components:

• Distribution of printed tool to patients for use to test its effectiveness
• Upload tool onto websites of GP Surgeries and Pharmacies
• Develop a digital tutorial video that will circulated to create awareness and strengthen understanding among communities that are not fluent in English.

We continue to develop our tool and other services as an aid to addressing loneliness and isolation among the elderly through attendance at community events where they meet others, make new friends and have fun. Our project is different. Experience has shown that other silent causes of loneliness and feeling of isolation especially among people with multiple health conditions, even when surrounded by people, is that feeling of helplessness, anxiety or even fear. These result when one does not quite understand the nature of their illness, how to explain it when consulting with a doctor or nurse and engage in reaching a possible cure. These are the issues that the GP Partnership Tool project is trying to address in a sustainable way.