DEPEND study shows that digital data collection can improve quantity and quality of patient feedback | News and Events

DEPEND study shows that digital data collection can improve quantity and quality of patient feedback

The research report of a study led by the University of Manchester in partnership with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Salford Royal and NHS Foundation Trust has been published by the National Institute of Health Research.

The study, titled “Digital methods to enhance the usefulness of patient experience data in services for long-term conditions: the DEPEND mixed-methods study” looks into how digital data collection methods – such as digital surveys or recorded verbal responses - can improve the amount and quality of patient feedback.

Collecting NHS patient experience data is critical to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. The NHS collects information about the experience of patients using its services (called ‘feedback’), usually in written surveys. Staff do not always find this useful, as surveys may be very general. Patients sometimes write detailed comments, but staff find them hard to analyse.

The DEPEND study looked into tools which could improve data collecion, such as: a digital survey completed using a tablet device or a pen and paper/online version; guidance and information for patients, carers and staff; text-mining programs (technology which draws out information from text); reporting templates; and a process for capturing verbal feedback.

The study focused on patients with severe mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia) or musculoskeletal conditions.  A total of 100 staff members with diverse roles in patient experience management, clinical practice and information technology participated in the study, alongside 59 patients and 21 carers.

Overall findings were that the use of digital methods can produce improvements; although context and flexibility are important, and digital methods need to be complemented with alternative methods.

You can read the full report here: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hsdr/hsdr08280/#/abstract 

 

As a patient

As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Find resources for carers and service users  Contact the Trust

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