NHS Adult Hearing Services in England: Exploring How Choice is Working for Patients

This document evaluates the effects of introducing patient choice in NHS-funded adult hearing services in England for individuals aged 55 and older. The policy aimed to enhance service quality, reduce waiting times, and provide more flexible appointments by allowing patients to select from various qualified providers. The evaluation employed a comprehensive approach, including stakeholder responses, patient surveys, GP interviews, and evidence analysis. Results showed that patient choice improved access, satisfaction, and value for money, but raised concerns about quality and increased spending. The evaluation concluded that while patient choice offers benefits, it requires careful management to address trade-offs. Steps are being taken to support commissioners and improve choice effectiveness, with future reviews planned. Additionally, the document assesses the impact of patient choice on provider accessibility and waiting times, using drive-time accessibility metrics and Department of Health data. It found that patient choice generally increased provider accessibility and reduced waiting times, although outcomes varied across different Clinical Commissioning Groups. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: No lead department listed
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Consultative/deliberative methods; Individual interviews; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2015

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes