About objectives and measurements

3. Set objectives and measure change

What is the objective of what we are doing? How do we know whether what we are doing is actually an improvement? It is always good to be as clear as possible about what we want to achieve and systematically follow up how we are doing. 

Start by identifying what your objectives are. For the patient narrative specifically, one objective might be that we understand the patient’s perception of their condition. Or that we know what their situation and everyday life is like, or what their wishes and prerequisites are. Or that the patient knows what qualities and resources can be seen as strengths or opportunities in their own care. Or that professionals document and share the patient narrative better and more efficiently between team members, wards and units.

Then agree on what is to be measured and how this can be followed up. It may be that we ask patients verbally or using a simple form with simple questions: Do the staff understand how you perceive your situation now? Do the staff know what your situation is like? Do you feel like you need to repeat the same information frequently? Or other questions that help us understand. Another way of following up is to ask the professionals. Either in the form of a checklist in which we evaluate what we actually know about the patient and how we have utilised this. Or as more open-ended reflections and discussions we have together over a cup of coffee.

Another way is to measure more tangible events. How often does a patient or a relative say that they have already told a colleague something? How often do we notice that we are missing certain important information about the patient that we should have asked the patient or relatives about earlier? 

Finally, you should decide who is responsible for following up and ensuring that lessons learned are shared with colleagues. It is a good idea to get help from your head of operations or the person responsible at your ward when deciding on this. Also ensure that you are measuring and evaluating the current situation so that you have something to compare with once you have begun making changes.