Patient Choice

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Information for PCT managers

Good quality, up-to-date information in appropriate formats, and clear and effective management of the process will encourage GP and patient engagement. We can offer the following publications:

  • Choice manuals and procedure guides - We have recently been working with the Department of Health to deliver the Patient Choice booklets "Choosing your hospital". To supplement these booklets, Dr Foster is also developing a range of products that give detailed information on the treatment centres and procedures available within your area. Our procedure guides offer procedure-specific and locally relevant information for all major conditions
  • Patient Choice workbook - This outlines the lessons learned from Dr Foster's extensive fieldwork with SHAs, PCTs, GPs, practice managers, voluntary groups and patients. The workbook offers practical advice and highlights the main areas in which support and intervention are needed. To download a free copy, click here
  • What's best for you - This website enables PCTs to upload information on everything that patients and GPs need to know about the hospital care in their PCT. With details on consultants, hospital services & facilities, waiting times and procedures, the website is updated and maintained for you by Dr Foster, and is an accessible resource for patients and GPs

"To make the system easier GPs need more information. I have three different booklets here telling me different things. I want concise information."

Dr H D Nandha, Leicester

"The transition to Choose & Book has been easier with the provision of tailored information and local data for patients and GPs"

Claire Hinds, Rugby PCT



We can also offer a strategic overview with the following management tools:

  • Hospital Referral Manager - maps potential hospital admissions and referral patterns across your local population. Information can be analysed geographically by diagnosis, procedure, time period and individual practice, enabling you to predict hospital activity and demand
  • Health Needs Mapping - analyses and maps communities to identify high risk groups and enable targeted interventions. Mapping can also be used to predict demand and plan services

For more information on Dr Foster's Choice products and management tools and how they can support you, please contact Caroline Pike on 020 7330 0400 or email caroline.pike@drfoster.co.uk