In the 16 years of my career as a medic in the pharmaceutical industry, there is one experience that has become all too familiar. I sit in an auditorium. A doctor or other healthcare professional takes the stage to present on behalf of a pharmaceutical company…
The advances in medical science are inspiring and continuing to develop at pace from the latest cancer treatments to cutting-edge surgery. We owe so much to the clinical pioneers and brave patients willing to be the ‘first’.
We often assume that new is better but when things don’t work out as hoped, it’s a different story. This is the culture of surgical innovation. Robots, gadgets, and other novel ways of operating are exciting and they generate attention. Surgeon enthusiasm for improving outcomes sweeps patients along.
My abiding memory from the WHO Global Conference ‘Engaging Patients for Patient Safety’ was the shocking experiences outlined by patients and families from across the world who had been bereaved or suffered appalling and life-changing harm.
The third in our series of blogs in the lead up to World Patient Safety Day is from Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association. She reflects on progress on patient engagement and what needs to happen next.
As part of our series leading up to World Patient Safety Day, David Lawson, who leads the DHSC’s medical technology directorate, discusses how patients are influencing the strategy development.