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Patient choice is at the centre of the Government's public service reform agenda, the aim of which is to empower them, reduce inequalities in healthcare access, and to improve health outcomes for all patients. The changing role of patients was proposed in The NHS Plan,1 published in 2000, which included key proposals on their empowerment and choice.

NHS Choices—a new patient website

In June 2007, the Department of Health launched a comprehensive health information website—NHS Choices—designed to allow patients to make informed choices regarding their own health. It is also a tool that GPs can use to encourage their patients to proactively manage their own health.

NHS Choices provides easily accessible information about conditions, treatments, and hospitals, allowing patients to decide when and where they receive treatment. Detailed information on 40 of the most common diseases is included. The sections on lifestyle, contained within the Health A–Z section, provide an easy way for GPs to advise patients on relevant interventions specific to their particular condition, as recommended in numerous evidence-based guidelines. General practitioners are likely to notice an increase in more inquisitive patients—the website shows patients how to get the most out of their consultation and provides a list of questions that they need to ask.

The information on the website is not just for patients. Hospitals can highlight specific services, facilities, and initiatives, and provide specific data on outcomes to demonstrate their particular strengths. Commissioners will benefit from this comparative information—data on waiting times, length of stay, number of patients treated, and readmission rates will be freely available from provider hospitals.

Putting patients in control

A report by Andy Burnham, Minister of State, Delivery and Reform, published this month, highlights what has been achieved in the last year regarding the implementation of patient choice. Choice matters 2007–8: putting patients in control2 reports that GPs are playing their role, with the majority of patients referred for treatment confirming that a discussion about choice of hospitals and clinics took place.

Implementation of patient choice

As with guidance, systems need to be put in place locally to ensure that patient choice options are implemented effectively. As detailed in Mr Burnham's report, Nottingham City PCT has decided against putting the onus on GPs to advise patients at the point of referral. Instead, the PCT opted for a referral management centre, established in 2003, through which an average of 200 referrals are now made each day. If they have not done so already, each PCT needs to decide what is the best method for their practices to introduce patient choice, and the extent to which GPs are involved in this role.

Julia Morris, Editor
julia.morris@mgp.ltd.uk

References

1. Her Majesty's Stationery Office. The NHS Plan: a plan for investment, a plan for reform. London: The Stationery Office, 2000.
2. The Department of Health. Choice matters 2007–8: putting patients in control. London: DH, 2007. www.dh.gov.ukG