Workshop 3: Patient-Centric Testing: Putting the Patient at the Heart of Diagnostics (Delivering person centered care in pathology)

Aims: 

This one-day workshop, led by Katy Heaney and Dr. Rav Sodi, focuses on integrating patient-centric principles (also known as person-centered care) into diagnostic testing, to inform practice. It emphasizes seeing patients as unique individuals, shaped by cultural and emotional contexts, and aims to improve patient experience, engagement, and outcomes through a structured and interactive learning experience.

​Workshop Agenda:

8.30am - 9.30am: Welcome

Welcome and Introductions - What does 'patient-centric testing' mean to you?

The importance of patient-centricity in the patient story, journey and patient experience.

9.30am - 10.30am: Module 1: The Patient Story

A clinical case-based activity where participants are invited to consider the specific aspects affecting a particular case scenario. The anxieties, concerns, practicalities, contact points and barriers are dissected to arrive at the main challenges affecting a patient’s healthcare journey.

10.30am - 11.00am: Morning Break

11am - 11.45am: Module 2: Core Principles of Patient-Centric Testing

In this didactic lecture, the conceptual framework and principles of patient-centric testing are outlined. The philosophical and psychological underpinnings are briefly discussed.

11.45am -12.30pm: Activity: The Testing Journey - Mapping the Patient Testing Journey

In this group exercise, the patient testing journey is mapped to identify the key touchpoints in the Pre-Test, During Test and Post-Test phases. Participants will learn to Identify "Pain Points" and "Moments of Truth" at each stage. By sharing group maps and arriving at common themes, the areas where patient needs are often will be highlighted.

The Role of Different Stakeholders: Laboratory personnel, clinicians, front desk, IT and administrative, senior leadership at local and national level will be delineated to show how all contribute to the patient-centric journey.

12.30pm - 1.30pm: Lunch Break

1.30pm - 2.15pm: Module 3: Practical Strategies and Tools

In this session, the practical strategies and tools of enabling the patient-centric journey are discussed. Models for health-care improvement will be presented. At the core of this workshop is providing patients and clinicians alike with a clear road map to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Central to this is the appreciation of the importance of current and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

2.15pm - 3pm: Activity: Effective Communication

In this exercise, we undertake role-playing activities drawing upon the participants’ experiences in challenging situations they may have faced. We examine real-life examples of patient experiences, both the positive and the negative. In this activity the ideas of ‘cultural encounters’ are explored.

3pm - 3.30pm: Afternoon Break

3.30pm – 4.30pm: Activity: Action Planning - “Your Personal Mission"

Drawing upon the principles discussed throughout the workshop, individuals are given the opportunity to reflect on their personal mission and develop a Personal Action Plan. Participants will be encouraged to note their commitment, visualise potential obstacles and the support needed to overcome these.

4.30pm – 5pm: Module 4: Overcoming Barriers & Implementation

In this activity, groups will be invited to brainstorm common barriers to patient-centricity in their settings. The aim for each group will be to develop one or two practical solutions or "small wins" for each identified barrier. They will then be encouraged to share these ideas with the wider group enabling the cross-pollination of good ideas for the healthcare system in Qatar. The importance of Change Management principles will be highlighted: Gaining buy-in (from leadership and staff), piloting initiatives, measuring impact and celebrating successes.

5pm – 5.30pm: Commitment, Wrap-up, Evaluation and Closing

We close the session by summarising the key takeaways. Both individually and as a group, we will help you in your commitment to implement patient-centred care in your work and daily practice. Hopefully participants will appreciate that small changes collectively make a big difference.