I have a severe mental illness—a diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder. Over the years I have suffered from prolonged episodes of psychosis, from which it takes me many months, sometimes years, […]
Patient and public perspectives
Simon Denegri: Courage, dear funder, courage
The UK Research Institute (UKRI)—the nation’s £7.5 billion research giant established in April last year—is beginning to set out its stall on public engagement. A few weeks ago it published […]
Jeremy Taylor: Money for supporting and promoting volunteers in the NHS is a drop in the ocean
Volunteering in health and social care is a big deal. A 2013 King’s Fund report estimated that about three million people volunteer in health and social care across England. The […]
Hussain Jafri: Fighting for patient safety and advocacy in Pakistan
Partnership is key to bringing patient centred healthcare to Pakistan and the world, says Hussain Jafri […]
Regina Mariam Namata Kamoga: In the past the views of patients were not respected
The WHO initiative for patient advocacy is helping local activists to improve patient safety in Uganda and beyond, says Regina Mariam Namata Kamoga […]
Zach Hong and Farwa Naqvi: No patient left behind—the importance of patient advocacy as a free service
Volunteer patient advocates can bring an essential service to those who need it most, say Zach Hong and Farwa Naqvi […]
Michael Gill: Patient data for sale
The recent merger of Patients Like Me (PLM) with the research arm of United Health Group raises questions about patient data and exposes some of the vulnerabilities for patients who […]
Charlotte Squires: A tale of three stethoscopes
Some years ago, as an earnest second year student, I walked into a shop opposite Edinburgh’s old medical school, and came out with a hunter green, entry level stethoscope. The […]
Sarah Markham: The mission to determine the top ten research priorities for occupational therapy
I struggle with depression so I am only too aware of the value of meaningful activity. It distracts me from the worst of my symptoms and helps me feel some […]
Helen Leonard: Personal health budgets—a view from the other side
Just over a year ago, we received a personal health budget for my son. It has not been straightforward to set up, but after 18 years of struggling to manage […]