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Background
to the
Research
- Nearly half a million people from both
sides of the border have tended to seek acute hospital services within
their own areas and away from the border.
- Historically, the trend has been for patients
to seek services far from home in the major cities (Belfast and Dublin)
whilst not availing of accessible and possibly more appropriate services
in their own hinterland.
- This report documents Part I of a formal
evaluation carried out by the University of Ulster on a collaborative
cross-border health care project implemented by CAGHT in Northern Ireland
and the NEHB in the Republic of Ireland.
Research
Approach
- Qualitative data gathering through semi-structured
interviews with key respondents to assess weaknesses and strengths of
each of the initiatives implemented.
- Focus groups with dermatology patients;
patient 'comment cards'.
- Postal questionnaires to all nurses involved
with the dermatology clinics and the joint training initiatives.
- Telephone survey of GP's from both jurisdictions.
Main
Findings
- The dermatology project was successful
in reducing waiting list times, and new opportunities were provided
for networking among nursing professionals.
- There was movement of staff and patients
across the border - often for the first time - which had a positive
bearing on community relations.
- The Cross-Border Acute project gave rise
to innovative developments that improved patient care and encouraged
professional co-operation and collaboration.
Conclusions
- A consultative approach assists in instilling
ownership and an equal sense of commitment in the project.
- Actively involving patients and the general
public in decisions about health services in more organised and institutionalised
forms of consumer representation is a mechanism through which cross-border
co-operation in health can be promoted.
- Management should ensure that there is
both the depth of relevant experience and provision for sufficient time
to undertake successful management of individual projects.
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