Member Article

North East clinical software firm launch novel healthcare tool

North East-based Cievert Ltd, a clinical software firm, has created a tool to help boost communication between patients and NHS professionals.

Patient engagement (PET) is a web based feedback and communication platform and has been created by Cievert for the healthcare sector.

The software allows patients to provide specific and anonymous feedback in a convenient way about the service and care they have received from their GP and dental practices.

Practices can evaluate the information and use it to improve services for the benefit of patients.

Cievert Ltd has chosen the North East to launch the PET product offering the first 20 GP practices and first 20 dental surgeries a competitive annual license fee, with the first month free.

Chris Kennelly, managing director at Cievert Ltd and former NHS radiographer said: “We are delighted to introduce PET as part of our software packages.

“It’s very important to give patients the opportunity to provide their feedback on the service they’ve received regardless of age or ability, and for practices to evaluate and keep improving their service.

“We have worked in partnership with GP and dental practices to develop a product that enables this communication.”

Trudi Harrison, practice manager at The Park Medical Group, Fawdon, Newcastle is taking part in the trial. She said: “PET is very user friendly and great for engagement. The product is easy to use, cost effective and helps with NHS England and Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements.

“It’s great that PET is available in several formats; online, via mobile device and also paper based to make it easy for patients to submit their feedback.”

The software launch coincides with the NHS’ Friends and Family Test (FFT) being implemented as a requirement by GP and dental practices across the country.

Chris continued: “FFT was put in place in April 2013 across hospitals and in GP practices in December 2014. From April 2014 dental surgeries are required to do this. Practices realise the importance of patient engagement and are keen to gather more in-depth feedback and encourage ongoing communication with patients to ensure the highest standard of healthcare.

“PET provides an inclusive link between practice and patient enhancing both the care given and the experience of that care.”

Cievert Ltd is run by three experienced medical professionals and they are also the team behind Cas-per, a web based referral system for radiotherapy and chemotherapy patients.

The team currently works with hospitals across the country from Tayside in Scotland to Colchester in the South East of England and also collaborates with, Newcastle Science City and the Academic Health Science Network in the North East and North Cumbria.

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