AIM OF PROJECT

The main aim of the project was to develop a tool that would improve communication and facilitate good working relationships and partnership between patients and their GPs, nurses, and other clinicians. It would encourage patients to take more responsibility for their health and wellbeing.  It would also address three key elements that are vital for transformative change to take place in any process.

• Firstly, it would strengthen the patient’s confidence to prepare for their visit with the doctor or nurse, do a self-assessment of their health status and write down the questions they would want to ask during their visit. Provision is made for them or their carers or friends to make notes during and after the visit.
• Secondly, by participating fully during the consultation and understanding what their illness and treatment entail, patients with the help of their carers or friends where necessary can act as self-advocates for the quality care they need and joint decision-making. They would be empowered to address any misunderstanding that may arise during consultations. Hopefully, this would reduce the number of patient complaints as well as the time and bureaucracy spent to address them
• Thirdly, the tool would recognise the importance of networking and linking up with voluntary and community groups that could enhance the healing and wellbeing processes and provide details of possible groups that could provide further support.