What we do
We are a network of independent experts who believe in putting patients and citizens at the heart of care.
We want to make co-production the norm - to turn patient and public engagement (PPE) into everyday practice so as to transform services, decision making and people's health.
We undertake qualitative and quantitative research; coaching, mentoring and action learning; seminars and strategic advice; interactive events and workshops.
But we offer more than just techniques: we ensure that outcomes from PPE and data gathering informs decision making and make a difference to patients. We will not let reports gather dust on the shelf. Otherwise, what's the point?
We enjoy working in partnerships and contribute to consortia bids for large-scale work. We work closely with the CLAHRC in NW London, Frontline Consultants, MAC Associates, Papworth Research and Consultancy and the Patient Information Forum.
Last but not least: We practice what we preach - always seeking to co-produce our projects with patients, carers and communities.
We have three main business areas (see below):
1. Supporting organisations to undertake PPE
- We work with Clinical Commissioning Groups on PPE in commissioning. We often use the Engagement Cycle, developed with the DH, that outlines 'who needs to do what' at each stage of commissioning (see 'articles').
- We help build cultures and systems for PPE, providing leadership and organisational development to engage patients and carers in service improvement. We ensure that outcomes from PPE and patient experience data link to decision making and make a difference to patients.
2. Enabling Shared Decision-Making at the frontline
- We turn rhetoric (nothing about me without me) into reality. We work with providers (acute, community, primary care) to implement shared decision making.
- We are specialists in issues concerning records access and co-lead a Health Foundation project on 'patient access to online medical records'.
3. Building the capacity of Patient Leaders
- As well as our 'effective patient and community representative' programmes, we provide bespoke learning for LINk/HealthWatch Members, PPG Members, Lay Members of CCGs, FT Governors, community researchers and health champions.
- We are developing the Centre for Patient Leadership (see our dedicated page on this) that will be an online community of practice for a new cadre of patient leaders.
