Evaluation of the Outpatients consultation in East Kent

CHSS undertook to support Kent and Medway Commissioning Support (KMCS: acting on behalf of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group) in undertaking an independent analysis of a consultation on Outpatient services in East Kent. The aim of the consultation was to gain opinions from the public of a proposed Outpatient Clinical Strategy that intends to improve local access to, and facilities for, Outpatient services, and to offer a wider range of services on each site.

CHSS advised on the survey, evaluated the consultation process, ran focus groups and carried out quantitative and qualitative analysis of the responses gathered during the consultation period (9th December 2013 to 17th March, 2014 - originally 9th March but period was extended). Ethical approval was not required for a consultation process, but ethical principles have been adhered to regarding data confidentiality and informed consent for the focus groups.