This project, funded by the EPSRC research centre HACIRIC investigated existing frameworks for Practice Based Commissioning (PBC) in the North West Strategic Health Area (NW SHA) in England. A research team from Lancaster University, in collaboration with Salford University, explored the modes of governance and processes through which PBC is endeavouring to commission improved services for patients, and the degree to which these encouraged engagement, collaboration and innovation. In addition the team sought to understand if and how design and other creative methods and tools drawn from design could support commissioners’ activities to provide a deeper understanding of the applicability of ‘design thinking’ as a means of facilitating innovation, and developing interdisciplinary methods of participatory design.
Dr Valerie Carr
Daniela Sangiorgi