Healhwave Hub

Intro

Imagine you're lost in a city and need directions. Now, think of healthcare as that city, with patients often feeling just as lost. The process of guiding these patients, known as "signposting," is like giving them a map and compass. It's about making sure they find the right care at the right time, thanks to a team of experts from various sectors like the NHS, social care, and community groups. But it's not always a walk in the park. Despite some creative solutions popping up around the country, we're still figuring out how to make this system smooth and user-friendly for everyone.

The Problem: What's Holding Us Back?

Here's the twist: while we know signposting is crucial, there are hurdles we need to jump over. Sometimes, patients and healthcare professionals don't have the info they need, when they need it. Other times, patients face obstacles like poor accessibility or lack of support, making it hard for them to reach the services they need. Research studies, like those by Zurynski and MaCartan, shine a light on these issues, revealing the challenges in areas like chronic condition management and cardiac rehabilitation.

The Good News: What Works?

But it's not all gloomy! Studies from around the globe – from England to Ethiopia – show that when done right, signposting can significantly improve healthcare outcomes. For example, the 'Care For Today' platform in Buckinghamshire made cardiac rehab a breeze for NHS staff, and the 'myHealthfinder' tool in the US boosted vaccination rates. It's all about patient-centred solutions, open communication, and having someone to champion the cause. Think of it as building trust, sharing stories, and empowering people and communities, especially in mental health services.

The Solution: Engaging the Community

So, what's the magic formula? It boils down to community engagement, coaching, and making sure web-based platforms are more than just websites – they need to be lifelines. This means understanding people's needs, embracing diverse viewpoints, and training our workforce to navigate the signposting process effectively. We need to make resources easily available to both colleagues and residents, cutting down the time and hassle it takes to find and share them.

Involving community members in the design and implementation of these platforms is key. It ensures that the solutions are accessible, user-friendly, and tailored to the needs of different communities. Plus, coaching for colleagues can level up their skills in guiding patients to the right services, improving the quality and efficiency of referrals.

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture

In a nutshell, signposting isn't just a buzzword; it's a crucial part of enhancing health and well-being. By focusing on people’s needs, incorporating a variety of perspectives, and equipping colleagues with the right skills, we can create engagement strategies that genuinely improve healthcare systems. The evidence is clear, and it spans across various sectors and public health initiatives. So, let's navigate this healthcare maze together, making sure everyone finds their way to better health and care.

References

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Austin, S., Wooten, K., Dunkle, W. et al.(2021). Increasing HPV Vaccination Support Through a Pilot Film-Based Community Engagement. J Community Health 46, 343–348. Increasing HPV Vaccination Support Through a Pilot Film-Based Community Engagement | SpringerLink

Demissie SD, Kozuki N, Olorunsaiye CZ, Gebrekirstos P, Mohammed S, Kiapi L, et al. (2020) Community engagement strategy for increased uptake of routine immunisation and select perinatal services in north-west Ethiopia: A descriptive analysis. PLoS ONE 15(10): e0237319. Community engagement strategy for increased uptake of routine immunization and select perinatal services in north-west Ethiopia: A descriptive analysis

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McCartan, F., Bowers, N., Turner, J. et al. Introduction of a novel service model to improve uptake and adherence with cardiac rehabilitation within Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 17, 184 (2017). Introduction of a novel service model to improve uptake and adherence with cardiac rehabilitation within Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust | BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

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Polinski, Jennifer M. Harris, Linda M. Shrank, William H. Sussman, Andrew. (2018). Impact of a patient engagement tool on preventive service uptake. Healthcare, 6(3): 162-167, Impact of a patient engagement tool on preventive service uptake - ScienceDirect

Stover, Angela M. PhD*,†; Tompkins Stricker, Carrie PhD, RN‡; Hammelef, Karen DNP, RN‡; Henson, Sydney BS†; Carr, Philip BS†; Jansen, Jennifer MPH†; Deal, Allison M. MS†; Bennett, Antonia V. PhD*,†; Basch, Ethan M. MSc, MD*,†,§. (2019). Using Stakeholder Engagement to Overcome Barriers to Implementing Patient-reported Outcomes (PROs) in Cancer Care Delivery: Approaches From 3 Prospective Studies. Medical Care 57():p S92-S99. DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000001103

Sweeney, L., & Greenwood, M. (2018). Engaging marginalised populations in eHealth: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(11), e11540.

Thomas, S., Jenkins, R., Burch, T., Calamos Nasir, L., Fisher, B., & Thomas, P. W. (2017). Promoting community participation in priority setting in district health systems: A cluster randomised trial to evaluate the impact of the community scorecard approach in Malawi. Health Policy and Planning, 32(3), 328-337.