Excellence in Professional Education Programmes

Summary of work

The NHS is under constant pressure to deliver a high-quality, patient-centric service while maintaining value for money. In this environment, it is necessary to explore new options for delivering care, ensuring the maximum return on investment while adapting to the needs of individual patients. One way of striking this balance is through the implementation of supported self-management (SSM). Although successfully employed in many disciplines across the health service, there is some reluctance to include elements of SSM in patient care plans. This was especially true in gastroenterology, where a combination of factors meant that few patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were being given the opportunity to manage their condition in the manner they desired.

Working with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, policymakers and clinicians, we explored how SSM was implemented in conditions across the NHS. We worked with patients to understand their needs and developed an evidence base in collaboration with clinicians to help them understand the value of SSM in achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Throughout this process we created new advocates at all levels, generating momentum to make SSM a reality for IBD patients in the UK.

Judges comments

This was great work based on a lot of insight and, although not a winner this year, in 2016 this pilot scheme could well be a real contender when there are matured outcomes from the programmes. A very promising submission.