Blog
Involving service users in the implementation of outcome measures
By Alexis Foster, Research Fellow, the University of Sheffield
Service-user involvement has been at the heart of developing ReQoL, but it is also likely to be helpful if organisations involve service-users when designing how to integrate ReQoL into their services.
A recent project looking generally at the implementation of outcome measures found some organisations didn’t involve service-users whilst others consulted them.
Below is a table showing some of the study’s findings about the different approaches to service-user involvement when implementing outcome measures.
In the study it appeared that organisations who consulted service-users about using outcome measures developed more acceptable processes. Service-user consultations also gave outcome measures more credibility amongst staff because they could see that service-users were comfortable using the measures.
Given this, when implementing ReQoL you may want to consult service-users on the following:
The mode of administration, eg do service-users prefer completing REQoL on paper or electronically like an iPad.
How to fit ReQoL into appointment.
The phrasing clinicians could use to introduce ReQoL to service-users.
Questions people may have about ReQoL.
How service-users want the data collected by ReQoL to be used, for example how could service users be fed back the results?
It would be great to hear more from NHS Trusts who have designed implementation strategies for ReQoL through consultation with service-users.
How did you involve service-users in implementing ReQoL in your trust?