Service user engagement in clinical commissioning
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study of the impact of service user engagement as peers and partners in commissioning and leading health and social care services with clinicians
IRAS ID
180633
Contact name
Deborah A Hatfield
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 2 days
Research summary
This is a qualitative study concerned with the experiences and practices of service users and clinicians working together to commission and lead adult health and social care services in local communities within the new clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). Service users, including past and present patients and carers, and public representatives are participating in a citizen role as a voice for the local community. This is a PhD study and the studentship has been funded by the Higher Education Academy until January 2017.
Despite current policy drivers to place service users at the centre of care and high profile examples of failing to listen, there is limited research on the impact of service user involvement in commissioning and leading health and social care services. The evidence base is weak or emergent following the National Health Service reforms and implementation of the Health and Social Act 2012 in April 2013. Concepts of service user engagement theory remain contested. Evaluation and effectiveness of service user involvement in commissioning also present methodological challenges.
This study focuses on engagement activities for National Health Service (NHS) work streams within two CCGs and whether the partnership between clinicians and service users is forged on a trusted peer basis. To understand the experiences, culture and practices of engagement for adult services and its meaning for the participants three research methods will be used:
•Focus groups
•Non-participant observation
•Interviews with clinicians (CCG commissioning leads) and service user/public representatives.
Once the data have been collated and transcribed they will be analysed to look at common themes that illuminate the impact of engagement relationships for commissioning in CCGs. The findings will inform models of effective practice and indicate how the themes can be integrated within curricula for students and postgraduate health professionals learning about clinical commissioning.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0214
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion