Background: There is strategic objective to incorporate the principles and practice of co-design into routine service development and improvement.Aim: The aim was to explore the concept and feasibility of service co-design with patients and health professionals with regards to the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer care pathway.Methods and Results: Qualitative telephone interviews and face-to-face focus groups in one region of England. Twenty patients completed interviews. Nine patients and ten professionals formed two focus groups. Patients were referred through the urgent (two week) GP referral route and were within six months of receiving their first treatment for an UGI cancer. Professionals were working as service planners and providers of the UGI cancer care pathway. Thematic analysis was undertaken. Six themes emerged: Responsibilities and expectations, Knowledge and understanding, Valuing patient input, Building relationships, Environment for co-design activities, Impact and effectiveness. Based on the themes a checklist has been created to provide practical suggestions for both professionals and patients on approaching co-design for service improvement.
Conclusion:This study offers policy and practice partners a clearer understanding of co-design and factors to consider when approaching co-design in real life settings.cancer, co-design, health care professionals, patients, service improvement
| INTRODUCTIONTailoring care to patient need and improving patient experience are frequently cited goals of healthcare systems internationally. 1 Co-design of services with professionals, patients and the public is heralded as a mechanism through which person-centred care may be achieved. For example, co-design, that is co-creation of services with stakeholders, is recognised as one of the nine principles required for the successful implementation of the 2015 Cancer Strategy for England. 2 Existing systematic reviews provide a synthesis of evidence on co-design within healthcare. As a result of co-design developments within health care services have been implemented. 3 The implemented changes included: the production of new or improved sources of information for patients; simplifying appointment procedures; extending clinic opening times; improving transport to treatment units; improving access for people with disabilities; and a cultural change within organisations to involve patients. The strategic imperative to embed co-design within service development is supported by