Beyond the hospital: strengthening dialogue to improve health outcomes. (360G-Wellcome-105061_Z_14_Z)

This project aims to stimulate dialogue between patients with central nervous system infections (CNSIs), their carers, and researchers, hospital staff and rehabilitation organizations, to strengthen capacity for communication, engagement between researchers and the public, and to identify factors that may improve recovery post-discharge. The project wil be conducted at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD), Ho Chi Minh City where Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) has a long-term collaboration on CNSI research. Recovery form brain disease is an ongoing, dynamic process. In Vietnam there is little information, access to, or coordination of, neuro-rehabilitation services which are key to recovery. While improvements are evident in in-patient treatment, information is lacking regarding patients' hospital experiences, tehir understanding of biomedical research and their long-term rehabilitation. A recent audit at HTD identified 'improved patient-doctor communication' as a key objective. Vietnam's plans to ratify the 'UN convention on the irghts of persons with disabilities', also demonstrates a move towards a patient-centred approach. By partnering with local artosts and professionals, using participatory research and engagment methods (interviews, focus groups, Forum theatre, video diaries, Photovoice and photography exhibitions), we aim to give stakeholders a voice, and identify factors which hinder recovery. Material gathered will be fed into training for hospital staff, printed materials and e-resources for patients, carers, NGOs and disability organizations. Results will be fed back ro researchers at HTD and OUCRU & the wider health community. The ultimate project aim is to improve patient-doctor communication, patient support within and beyond the hospital, and health outcomes.