Developing a patient passport

 

Cancer affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnic background. However, research has shown that certain ethnic minority groups may face unique challenges when it comes to cancer awareness and access to healthcare. Factors such as language barriers, cultural beliefs, mistrust of healthcare systems, and limited knowledge about available resources can contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes. Therefore, AFiUK is trying to play a decisive role in raising cancer awareness among ethnic minority communities in the UK. By bridging the gap between healthcare systems and cultural beliefs, it wants to ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to accurate information, culturally sensitive support, and equitable care. Through their collaborative efforts with community leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers, AFiUK strives to reduce cancer disparities and improve outcomes for all individuals, irrespective of their ethnic background. Catherine, a community ambassador of AFiUK, with her background clinical knowledge is actively involved in raising cancer awareness within ethnic minority communities.

Patient Passport:

·       The concept of a patient passport was introduced to facilitate seamless healthcare experiences for cancer patients. 

·       The passport would contain vital medical information, treatment history, and personalized care plans to ensure continuity of care across different healthcare providers. 

·       The primary goals of the patient passport were to improve communication, reduce test duplication, and enhance patient-centred care.

Improving Cancer Journey:

·       Enhancing the cancer journey experience emerged as a crucial aspect of patient care.

·       The meeting emphasized the need for personalized support, emotional well-being, and timely access to information for cancer patients. 

·       Key areas for improvement included reducing waiting times, providing clear and concise communication, and streamlining the care coordination process.

Key Outcomes:

·       Better Communication: Effective communication among healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers was emphasized to ensure coordinated and personalized care.

·       Improved Patient Experience: The meeting focused on enhancing the overall patient experience throughout the cancer journey by addressing emotional and psychological well-being and providing adequate support systems.

·       Non-Digital Opportunity: A patient-owned mobile application was identified as a non-digital opportunity that could provide benefits even in non-digital environments.

Innovation Companies:

·       The meeting identified six innovation companies providing services in the patient passport and cancer journey domain. 

·       These companies were shortlisted based on their expertise, capabilities, and potential to contribute to the development and implementation of the patient passport system and improving the cancer journey experience.

The following implementation cycle has been agreed:

·       Horizon Scan: Identifying potential solutions, innovation companies, and technologies relevant to the patient passport and cancer journey initiatives.

·       Shortlisting: Evaluating and selecting the most suitable companies or solutions based on their capabilities, experience, and alignment with the project objectives.

·       Innovation Exchange: Engaging in dialogue and knowledge exchange with the selected companies to explore collaboration opportunities.

·       Future Work: Planning and implementing further actions, such as pilot programs, integration, and ongoing evaluation of the selected solutions.