INFORMED CHOICES
The webinar began with an introduction from DiMHN CEO, Hannah Chamberlain.
fixtures, fittings, and furniture. Together, to suit that particular service, but more importantly, it’s to make sure that the guidance does not sit in a vacuum, but rather with a series of tools as part of a wider framework – because the NHS has a multitude of experience and skills, but product testing isn’t usually one of them.” Stephen Hatcher highlighted the
need for collaboration and standardised testing to ensure product suitability. “Currently,” he said, “we rely heavily on past experience, anecdotal evidence, and bespoke testing – none of which is really ideal. Clearly defined and repeatable tests would help take out the risks associated with this. Another issue is that sometimes products are specified based on the results of a test, but what is delivered to the project can vary, either wholesale or just in small (but possibly significant) details, meaning that quality standards are uncertified, and we may unwittingly end up with a product which actually doesn’t perform as well as the version that was tested.”
Time and cost savings Ben Lillywhite emphasised the benefits of adopting standardised testing, including time and cost savings. He said: “By selecting products that have already been tested to a defined and repeatable test, we can save time, cost, and energy, for resource-stretched clients, and also have assurance that the decision-making process is based upon a robust procedure. As well as saving time and money, this should all help with the number one goal of these projects – which is keeping people safe and secure within a setting which
The webinar examined the challenges, motivations, and hopes, surrounding standardised testing in mental health settings.
minimises the risk of harm while they are receiving care.” Kevin Gorman discussed the motivation behind developing the standard, emphasising the importance of safety. He told the webinar: “This is about people’s lives – and I think we should all take that responsibility of whether we’re asked to do it, or whether we’re just doing it because it’s the right thing to do.” Philip Ross encouraged manufacturers
to undergo testing for product improvement and consistency. He said: “Part of this process will be about learning the reality of your product, rather than the kind of conscious or unconscious bias you might have for it. We like to think our innovations are great, but the scheme is about holding the lens of objective assessment to it. This will not only help us understand where there are areas still for improvement, but actually collectively also understand how – if we design something new – we make sure that it’s right first time. I think there are a lot of other examples out there across construction, whether it be fire testing, smoke testing, all sorts of things. It’s very typical in all other walks of construction and manufacture to be expected, as a manufacturer, to invest in testing. I think the fact that currently we expect the NHS to do this work at its own cost is simply not right, and it’s not something that any of these manufacturers would expect.”
Hannah Chamberlain added: “These
quotes reflect the speakers’ perspectives on the significance of the Informed Choices testing standard, and the importance of standardised testing in ensuring safety in mental health environments.
NHS involvement fosters a collaborative environment wherein manufacturers feel incentivised to engage in testing and refinement, knowing that their efforts are valued and supported by key stakeholders Hannah Chamberlain, CEO, Design in Mental Health Network
THE NETWORK | MAY 2024
“The next steps in advancing the Informed Choices testing standard,” she continued, “involve concerted action from both manufacturers and the NHS. For manufacturers, it’s imperative to embrace the ethos of responsibility and accountability embedded within Informed Choices. This entails not only voluntarily subjecting their products to rigorous testing, but also ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the process. Manufacturers should prioritise the safety and wellbeing of mental health patients above all else, committing to continuous improvement and innovation to meet evolving needs. “Simultaneously, the NHS can
demonstrate support for the standard by actively signing the pledge and promoting its adoption across Trusts and healthcare settings. By endorsing Informed Choices, the NHS sends a powerful message of commitment to patient safety and quality care. Moreover, NHS involvement fosters a collaborative environment wherein manufacturers feel incentivised to engage in testing and refinement, knowing that their efforts are valued and supported by key stakeholders.
Propelling widespread adoption “Together, manufacturers and the NHS can propel the widespread adoption of Informed Choices, setting new standards for safety and efficacy in mental health environments. Continued collaboration, advocacy, and investment in standardised testing processes, will be essential to drive meaningful change, and ensure that every product and environment meets the highest standards of safety and quality. “For further information on Informed
Choices, and to view the webinar in full, see the blog post on
www.dimhn.org/ news. Come to next month’s Design in Mental Health 2024 conference and join us at the Informed Choices webinar. We will be running further webinars, so please email
admin@dimhn.org to be included in future mailouts to advertise upcoming opportunities.”
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