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case studies
impact on professionals
We were asked to develop a pan-EU educational programme to help ICU and infectious disease specialists better manage serious fungal infections. We delivered a novel practice-based EACCME-accredited meeting series tailored for ten countries.
These Expert Exchange Meetings involved an eminent international and regional faculty, included meeting content development, and incorporated a combination of interactive case studies, plenary, tutorial and workshop elements. They were structured to engage faculty and audience together in group learning.
A 'best-of' toolkit and implementation guide was also developed to facilitate further local educational outreach. The enthusiastic response (from faculty and participants) and results arising from these meetings has led to several more being added to the series and expansion of the model into other therapy areas.
impact on patients
HealthCare21 was asked to develop a range of support items for patients with a life-threatening haematological malignancy. The European project was guided via a series of Healthcare Professional (HCP) and patient association advisory group meetings. The participants were asked to explore the perceptions and realities of living with a life-long condition where daily oral therapy with some challenging side effects was essential to prevent an early death.
From these meetings, tailored support items were developed which were subsequently reviewed by different national and international patient groups and HCPs working in the area. This led to a significant uptake and ownership by professionals and patients across Europe.
impact on policy
In 2006, the UK Department of Health issued advice to health authorities on the need to improve the availability of low dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy prior to the publication of NICE Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. HealthCare21 was commissioned to help speed the implementation of the Government advice by developing a patient-centred programme to increase awareness of LDR brachytherapy among patients and help them make an informed treatment choice, and by providing evidence and information to policy makers and healthcare commissioners.
A UK Advisory Group was set up, which included representatives of all stakeholder groups, to develop a ‘Call for Action’ to expand access to high quality LDR brachytherapy. The ‘Call to Action’ was supported by a web-based educational programme (www.prostatebrachytherapyinfo.net), public awareness and political lobbying and direct interaction with regional commissioning groups. In addition, there were linked activities to shape guidelines and help patients make informed treatment choices and encourage provision of services.
The number of brachytherapy procedures has increased by 17% in the last year and the availability of services is now more evenly distributed across the UK. Building on this success in the UK, the programme is now being extended to other countries in Europe.
