Informing clinical commissioning through patient-centred information Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust

The Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust team set out to use patient co-production methods to identify improvements that could be made to the care provided to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

They developed a 'Working Together for Change' approach, with patients, commissioners and service providers working alongside one another to understand the root causes of what was not working in COPD care and to identify what success would look like.

The project team conducted 40 person-centred reviews with patients at different stages of the COPD care pathway. They then organised two one-day workshops, where the participants analysed aggregated data from the reviews and developed ideas for service improvements.

Who was involved

Project team members included a consultant physician, a GP, patient representatives and experts in patient education, evaluation, finance and public health. Most of the patients involved in the project were recruited from the British Lung Foundation's Breathe Easy support groups.

Outcomes

• Close and informal interaction with patients and carers gave professionals an enhanced understanding of the realities of living with COPD.
• Areas identified as requiring action included better access to information, more holistic care and improved customer service at GP reception desks.
• 66% of patient participants agreed that the workshop discussions reflected their personal needs and aspirations.

Challenges

The project team reported that the process would have benefited from more involvement from GPs and primary care nurses. One of the main challenges for professionals was freeing up time to attend the workshops.