Assessing the possibilities and challenges of patient involvement in sexual, reproductive and HIV/AIDS services.

Jane Meyrick,Debra Gray,Abigail Jones

doi:10.1071/sh15224

Abstract

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is a key feature of healthcare services in the UK. Sexual and reproductive health and HIV (SRHH) services face unique PPI challenges, as the anonymity and confidentiality required by service users can be a barrier to attracting patient input. PPI could improve sexual health services, through increased trust in services and the ability to tackle sexual health inequalities. However, specific practical guidance on how to address PPI in sexual health and the evidence to support it is sparse. This research aims to begin building an evidence base for PPI in sexual health services through: 1) an audit of PPI in SRHH in the Bristol region; and 2) a parallel survey of potential users of sexual health services about their experiences of PPI. For the audit, 18 SRHH organisations from all those in the region invited complete a short online survey, representing a range of different service providers. For the survey, participants, through a convenience sample via the University of the West of England and social media, were invited to complete an anonymous online survey of their experiences of PPI in SSRHs; 96 people responded. Reliance on customer satisfaction approaches and patients not being asked for feedback or what PP is for are reported. Services cite under-resourcing and a lack of time as barriers. Improving the use of patient's voice in SRHH could be supported through clarity of purpose (measured against outcomes), better communication with patients, and the need for flexible methods.

Highlights

Public and patient involvement (PPI) is defined as any activity that comprises involving, consulting and listening to patients and the public
Findings point to some basic steps in improving the use of patient’s voice in SRHH such as clarity of purpose, the importance of communication, and the need for flexible methods
The mix of front line staff (Consultants, Nurses, GPs, outreach workers) with commissioning level respondents means that the reach of the audit was good and services covered all types of organisation providing SRHH services

Summary

Introduction

Public and patient involvement (PPI) is defined as any activity that comprises involving, consulting and listening to patients and the public. In sexual and reproductive health and HIV services (SRHH), there is wide recognition that PPI is important – albeit challenging – in terms of increased use of sexual health services and access to effective contraception and the management of sexually transmitted infections.[3] There is an understanding that PPI may help to create high quality sexual health services 4, which may help to tackle sexual health inequalities and improve outcomes for many different groups of patients 3. Extensive generic and field specific guidance and service standards for PPI exist, e.g. NHS England[5], BASHH6, DoH7, FRSH8. Specific practical guidance on how to address PPI in sexual health, and the evidence base to support this, is sparse

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion