SRMRC has welcomed 32 trauma patients, families members and carers to a very rewarding and positive feedback event at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
One of the highlights of the event was seeing so many of the patients and carers chatting with others who had been through similar experiences. As a result, one of the suggestions which came out of the event was the formation of a patient support group.
The focus of the event was on the patient journey, looking at challenges, problems and successes during different stages of their care, from initial treatment through to their rehabilitation.
One patient who attended the event described it as “a great opportunity to share experiences with other patients and a way to give something back”. Another said it was “interesting to hear about what has been achieved so far and the enthusiasm for what still needs to be achieved.”
A key part of the event was to engage with family members, as major trauma patients are often sedated or unconscious during the early stages of their care. The family members often have an extremely difficult time coping with the stress and uncertainty during their loved one’s care.
Neurosurgeon Mr Tony Belli, who is one of the lead researchers in the SRMRC’s Reconstructive and Regenerative Medicine theme, opened the event by outlining some of the history of the centre and its current activity.
That was followed by SRMRC Communications Officer Gareth Duggan, who described the patient’s journey and compared the civilian and military experience.
This led into discussions within small groups of the patients and carers, providing their experiences of that journey.
A number of innovative and promising ideas were generated to improve the experience of different parts of the care pathway. These are now being developed by the SRMRC’s research staff and could lead to reviews of current practice.
The second meeting is likely to take place in late January or early February.
