A constant question asked concerning why people should get involved in our work is "what difference will it make?". The following are just some samples from our work where lay people being involved has made a difference.
Health Technology Assessments (HTA)
Involving patients is an essential part of our work to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health interventions.
Patients were greatly involved in both Health Technology Assessments (HTA) carried out by NHS QIS in 2004.
Click here for a definition of an HTA.
Patient representatives were part of the project groups for both these HTAs, and all the comments received during consultation were taken into account in the final reports. An easy-to-read summary for non-health professionals accompanied both reports.
Routine ultrasound of scanning before 24 weeks of pregnancy
The views of pregnant women were vital in our HTA of routine ultrasound scanning offered in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Focus groups highlighted the fact that pregnant women found the ultrasound scan reassuring, but the purpose of the scan is often not explained to them.
Organisation of Troponin testing services in acute coronary syndromes
Focus groups informed the HTA on troponin testing services in acute coronary syndromes, highlighting a need for better communication with patients and using more consistent terminology when talking to patients.
Clinical Quality Indicators in Nursing Project
Public involvement is central to this project, which aims to develop and test clinical quality indicators for nursing across NHSScotland.
Patients' views on nursing care in hospitals are being collected through a series of focus groups across Scotland, and there are two patient representatives on the project steering group. The public also has the opportunity to comment on the report during a six-week consultation period.