Chronic knowledge

Important results from the project

During tier 1 of the project, we have developed a concept for better health together with people from several different patient groups, healthcare professionals as well as other stakeholders. The concept has evolved and is now described as a centre for lead patients, independent of diagnosis. A lead patient is a patient (or care giver) who develops strategies and methods to maximise their ´feel-well-time´, while living with a life-altering illness. We have conducted a review of related projects and gathered a relevant group of actors for the application for tier 2.

Expected long term effects

We aim to establish a centre for lead patients, where patients can receive training and education, regardless of diagnosis. The purpose of the centre is to improve the possibilities for selfcare and contribute to an optimal use of resources in healthcare. If patients who want to be more actively involved in managing their health, are given appropriate tools, the resources in healthcare can be better used for patients who don´t have the same possibilities. The centre will be issuing ´selfcare licences´ and work to increase the interactions between patients and other stakeholders.

Approach and implementation

We have been using service design methods and iteratively explored the needs of our intended users. The project partners have conducted several workshops and participated in meetings to test the project idea with users and other stakeholders. We have also by testing several different measures concluded that there are currently no suitable methods for identifying and quantifying potential lead patients.