The OwnHealth programme has positively impacted on clinical
indicators, service utilisation and patient satisfaction
At its inception in 2006, Andy Donald then Head of Commissioning
at NHS Birmingham East and North commissioned OwnHealth for
2000 patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The purpose
of the programme was to reduce health inequalities for patients
living in deprived areas. It achieved that purpose by working with
hard to reach communities. Andy stresses that the
OwnHealth experience should result in prevention of illness
rather than treatment.
By being made aware of conditions, patients can spot things
earlier and make the appropriate change to avoid the condition
worsening that would result in having to be hospitalised or maybe
receiving some sort of treatment. Their reasoning is that by
understanding their condition patients will be able to do things
differently so that their health will improve. It is somehow
shifting the responsibility for health from the clinician to the
individual".