E004 Question of the month; a simple method of patient engagement

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims Patient involvement at every stage of service development is key to driving forward meaningful change. It can however, be difficult to engage a broad demographic. Focus groups can gain in depth information but are time consuming and will only involve a small number of people. Questionnaires are often poorly completed or have a low return rate. Asking a ‘question of the month’ is a simple method of collecting a large amount of data on a single topic. We have recently reinstated patient education sessions following a break in their provision due to Covid-19 and were keen to optimise these by finding out what patients wanted. Methods A poster was place in the waiting room asking ‘What was the most useful information you were given when you were diagnosed with arthritis’. Patients were given a post-it note and asked to write an answer on it and stick it onto the poster. The same question was asked in paediatric, adolescent and general adult clinics to all follow up patients with inflammatory arthritis during September 2023. The question of the month concept was developed by the Rubis QI Team as part of the JIALearn project. Thematic analysis was performed for the three age groups separately. Results Themes common to all age groups: 1. Knowing that there are a range of effective treatment options available. 2. Hope: “it is not life changing”, “expect a long journey and try and remain positive” In paediatrics, effective, accessible communication was a dominant theme in “any concerns are important and are listened to” In adolescents and young adults being given hope and knowing that there were treatment options were the most dominant themes: “it doesn’t have to affect your life”, “knowing I had different choices out there to help me” In adults the most dominant theme was around self management, particularly around regular exercise, diet and weight loss. “I can manage my problem”, “allows you to stay in control”. Some patients used this project as an opportunity to leave positive feedback about their care to date. Clinicians involved reported good clinical engagement and an improved therapeutic relationship with patients. These themes will be used to guide future patient education sessions targeted at specific age groups. The results of this project will be developed into a poster for the waiting room to demonstrate that comments have been listened to and acted upon. Conclusion Adults newly diagnosed with arthritis place a strong emphasis on self management. The themes of open communication and hope emerged in children and young adults. The comments provided will help to guide and shape future patient education sessions. Question of the month is a simple way of engaging with a broad number of patients. Disclosure R. Waller: None.