ABSTRACT

In this section, we will be looking at service development and in particular four examples of service development projects undertaken by clinicians at a local level. However, before we look at these projects, we need to consider how their intended improvements are measured. Some outcomes, such as mortality rates, are easily measured and can show real improvements in service. However, these hard measures are not always useful, either because the rate of that measure is low or because the condition itself is chronic and service improvements may not change the outcome of that condition but will change the quality of life of those living with it.