Publication date
December 2023
Key findings
Initial diagnosis
- The majority of people feel well treated by their GP surgery.
- However, there remains a significant number who feel poorly treated.
- Lack of sensitivity, information and explanation is regularly cited.
Education and self-management
- The majority are offered an education program when diagnosed.
- However, some found it very poor and others were not offered anything.
- In turn, this leads to lack of confidence in self-management for many, including worry, confusion and anxiety. Too many sufferers still do not know enough about their illness.
- People have a strong need for support and reassurance, and many want to be seen by a nurse of GP much more often.
Technology
- Latest technology is widely known about and very useful to those that have it.
- Lack of funding for technology equipment rules it out as an option for many.
- Only 1 in 10 of our respondents have been offered any free tech equipment or services.
Prescriptions
- There remains an inconsistency of supply of medication.
- Regular changes in medication.
- Difficulties and worries about injecting are common.
- Difficulty getting on with many of the medication options.
Additional information
Survey by Healthwatch Essex.
Healthwatch Hertfordshire and Healthwatch Essex have been commissioned by the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) Primary Care Workstream to undertake a series of engagement projects.
The aims of the engagement projects include:
- Gathering lived experiences to feed directly into the Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS
Primary Care Workstream. - Supporting and enabling the Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS to achieve wider
participant engagement. - Engaging patients and the public on programmes covering key priorities and areas of
importance at a regional and local level. - Making recommendations to the Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS Primary Care
Workstream so improvements can be implemented.