Patients Hold the Key to Improving NHS Care and Lowering Costs, Says KPMG

[Northerner]

With the NHS facing a funding deficit of up to £2bn for the next financial year and helping patients to become more active partners in their care will be essential for creating more cost effective healthcare, according to a new report launched by KPMG today.

The global report - What Works: Creating new value with patients, carers and communities examines how existing models of care fail to engage patients sufficiently, which can result in over-diagnosis, over-treatment and increased costs.

The report goes beyond simply making the case for change and explores the different ways this shift towards a far more patient-centred approach can practically be achieved. From involving patients in service design, to providing them with better and more relevant information, the report sets out a practical nine-part framework to help healthcare organisations realise the value that can be achieved through the roles of patients, carers and communities.

http://www.consultant-news.com/article_display.aspx?p=adp&id=11611

Social media is also creating new patient communities that are an under-utilized resource. New applications, such as 'iWantGreatCare' in the UK, are being used by patients to share information and experiences, with over 80,000 reviews being added every month. This is vital information that clinicians and managers alike should be using to create higher-quality care at better value.”

Maybe GPs and practice nurses should read a few forums! 🙂