Policy for Working in Partnership with Patient Advocates
We have outlined some of the key points from HQIP’s Policy for Working in Partnership with Patient Advocates here, however, please note that it should be read in full using the button at the bottom of this page. NOTE: This page is temporary and will be updated in due course.
This policy outlines how patient advocates (also referred to as SUN members, User Panel members, public members, patients, carers, people with lived experience, and service users), are supported in collaborative work with HQIP. It includes procedures, expectations, and payment for involvement fees.
This does not apply to voluntary sector organisations – arrangements will be made separately with organisations when partnering with HQIP to support people and community engagement.
Engagement with patient advocates can take place in various ways, and HQIP is committed to involving the public in most areas of our work. While the level and type of involvement may vary, depending on funding, HQIP ensures that a patient perspective is included in all projects.
Patients and the public are at the heart of HQIP’s work and a core value is to hear and consider the patient perspective. As commissioners of clinical audits and outcome review programmes, HQIP sets expectations for the organisations (providers) managing those programmes to engage with patient advocates and ensure continuous engagement throughout the project cycle.
- Activity based payment
Activity and Tasks ** Fee £ Resource Development Review and comment 15.00 Co-draft and design 30.00 Attend meeting – prep and discussion 40.00 Lead draft of resource 100.00 Write own perspective e.g. case study 50.00 Focus Group (to learn patient perspective) Prep and attendance 40.00 Attendance only 25.00 Events Attendance only 30.00 Prep and contribute 45.00 Speaking (prep and present) 100.00 Clinical Audit Awareness Week (annual campaign) Judging Audit Hero Awards – reading, scoring, meeting attendance 100.00 Project Work Review and comment on papers 30.00 Meeting attendance preparation and discussion 40.00 Co-design and co-produce 60.00 Interview Panel (depends on number of applicants) Reviewing applications 60.00 – 80.00 Preparation time 30.00 – 40.00 Interview meetings 60.00 – 80.00 Data Access Review Group (DARG) members Reading applications before meetings 45.00 DARG meeting attendance 30.00 DARG training 30.00 DARG support meetings 15.00 **Please note that payment is calculated by the type of activity, irrespective of duration of activity
Claiming payments
Please note the following regarding payment claims:
- Fees for each activity will be communicated beforehand. Any additional expenses must receive agreement prior to the activity from the HQIP Engagement Lead.
- Payment claim forms (an excel spreadsheet) will be sent from the Engagement Lead by email after the activity.
- Support from the Engagement Lead is available to those who need help completing the form.
- Payments are made via bank transfer. Amazon or One 4 All voucher payments might be available in some circumstances.
- Payments can only be made to bank accounts in the participant’s name and participants are responsible for providing the correct bank information.
- Should they wish, patient advocates can choose not to claim or accept a reduced amount.
- Claims must be submitted within two months of the activity and payment can be expected within two weeks.
It is essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure timely processing of payments incurred during engagement activities with HQIP.
Disclaimers
Any income that patient advocates receive may be liable for income tax and members are responsible for declaring any taxable income and settling any tax liabilities arising. For those in receipt of welfare benefits, please seek advice from Citizens Advice regarding how payments may impact your benefits. HQIP cannot take responsibility for any declarations required.
Members with questions about tax can contact HMRC: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees
Phone number: 0300 200 300
HQIP reserves the right to adjust payment if you are unable to fully engage as expected. We expect full engagement during meetings, either on camera or via chat, for the entire duration. Should there be difficulty in meeting these expectations, this may result in withholding or withdrawing payment.
Reasonable adjustments can be discussed and arranged with the Engagement Lead.
- Code of conduct
- Respect everyone’s right to contribute, individual differences and opinions – this applies to contributions made at meetings and outside of meetings (e.g. by email)
- Respect each member’s privacy, safeguarding information and contact details.
- Prepare for meetings by reading materials sent in advance and offering your feedback.
- Prepare to actively contribute to meetings by giving considered feedback and opinions.
- Attend meetings with the intention of being focused and helpful.
- Ask for information if you are not sure what to do or say.
- Treat all information shared about HQIP, the project, and from all participants, as confidential.
- Summary of values
During engagement activities, patient advocates can expect the following from HQIP:
- Etiquette at Meetings: Breaks after an hour.
- Trigger Warnings: These will be conveyed prior to the meeting for sensitive subjects.
- Responsiveness: To comments and feedback shared from participants.
- Closing the Feedback Loop: Ensuring feedback is addressed and communicated back to participants.
- Showing Impact: Demonstrating how the feedback has influenced outcomes.
- Respect: Consideration of everyone in the group, respecting all thoughts and opinions and allowing everyone to speak.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Actively engage with diverse groups in involvement activities to strive for different perspectives and experiences.
- Accessibility: Effort is made to ensure online meetings are accessible offering meetings in Zoom (as an alternative to Teams), with phone number options, captions, and documents in larger fonts.