Experience is key when it comes to the decisions made in health and social care services. Having experience means that you can create change in the services you access.
Most people don't realise that patients/users of health and social care services can become involved in the growth and development of the service. That we can make a difference in what a service focuses on, and what it sets out to improve.
People feel limited in how they can create change
Patients and users of the service put off writing complaints and speaking about the services they use because they believe expressing their thoughts will do little.
I feel this is a common thought for those accessing health care and social care services such as their GP, Hospital, mental health services, social care, and more.
I've had my own experiences of my perspective and thoughts being dismissed when in health and social care settings such as a GP.
The issue is people don't realise that there are ways to create change from their experiences, that they have the power to step up and say, 'I think this needs to be improved' or 'I had this experience'.
What ways can patients/service users help improve health and social care services:
1) Get involved in patient feedback and participation groups - I have been involved with the ELFT (East London Foundation Trust) in the past - the People participation service. People participation is ELFT's involvement group but each trust should have its own ways patients/service users can get involved with improving the quality of care. NHS England has guidance on their website for care boards, trusts, and policymakers to help them work in partnership with people and communities. So the first way to get involved is to check your local NHS trust's website for participation groups or options.
The People Participation group I was part of allows anyone using the ELFT services, and carers of someone using the ELFT service to get involved. In the service I took part in, there were online video calls with trust members on different topics you could sign up for and share your thoughts and experiences to create change. There are usually additionally other opportunities linked to the participation groups which you can get involved in (but don't have to), such as attending and delivering training for staff, being part of interviewing an applicant for the NHS and employment opportunities. Getting involved is not about having experience as a healthcare worker; it's about your lived experience with these services.
2) Charity work, fundraising and volunteering - You can become involved in charities which work as health and social care services. To see what charity involvement opportunities are available, you can check a charity website, and usually, there is a link saying 'get involved'.
3) Share your experiences in a way which emphasises what could be done to improve the services - You could share your experiences by using creative methods such as art, or writing to emphasise actionable things which need to change. For example, writing on VoiceBox is a great way to share your experiences all while stating what you think needs to be improved. This is a way to also encourage others to do the same.
4) Complain where needed, give feedback on your care - Often, services have feedback and complaint systems, so when needed, you could do this.
