Community health equipment loans: developing a clinical prioritization system.

This project aimed to develop an objective method for making equipment loans to home-based patients using a prioritisation system based on clinical need. An action research approach was selected as the most appropriate method because of the collaborative nature of the project. It involved working mainly with community nurses using questionnaires, focus groups, telephone and direct interviews. An important part of the process was a workshop with all stakeholders to involve them in decision-making. The resulting unique clinical referral form was implemented successfully. The research also highlighted existing attitudes and perceptions of the equipment loans service among health professionals. The new clinical referral form has improved service provision, is more equitable and now allows decisions to be made using agreed clinical criteria. The results of the research have been disseminated locally in the process of integration of NHS and social services equipment loans. This is a unique example of collaboration between community nursing practitioners, primary care trust managers and researchers producing a measurable difference to patient care.