News > Patient and public involvement

Patient Voices

The Patient Voices programme was founded in 2003, and aims to facilitate the telling and the hearing of some of the unwritten and unspoken stories of ordinary people so that those who devise and implement strategy in health and social care, as well as the professionals and clinicians directly involved in care, may carry out their duties in a more informed and compassionate manner. It is hoped that, as a result of seeing the stories, patients, their carers and clinicians may meet as equals and work respectfully together for the benefit of all.

The programme facilitates the telling and sharing of reflective stories of care by all stakeholders. The free distribution of resulting stories for use in health and social care education and quality improvement ensures that those voices are heard, and that the investment of storytellers is nurtured to develop maximum social capital.

www.patientvoices.org.uk/index.htm

Patient Safety First, Leadership for Safety, ‘How to’ guide supplement:  Using patient stories with boards

This guide is aimed at those who wish to embark on using patient stories at Board level and those staff members who will be involved in the process. It outlines the process of selecting and gathering stories and guidance on presenting them in the boardroom. There are a number of issues involved in using patient stories such as consent, storage, confidentiality and safeguarding the emotional wellbeing of patients. At the end of each chapter of this guide there is a section entitled “Take care” which highlights some of key issues or tips for consideration to ensure the process is carried out in an ethical way.

http://tinyurl.com/yhqfbsp

Wales, 1,000 Lives Plus, Tools for Improvement 6, Learning to use Patient Stories

This guide is based around the collection and use of patient stories, drawing upon the experience of 1000 Lives Plus. The methodology can be applied to the collection of effective stories from all members of society – patients, carers, guardians and members of staff. Everyone has a different, equally valuable perception of their healthcare experience.

www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/Documents/781/T4I%20Patient%20stories.pdf