Improving positive outcomes for those leaving hospital after meningitis

“We hope the article will contribute to improving positive outcomes for those who have recently left hospital following meningitis.”

We’re delighted that an article on our hard-hitting report on meningitis follow-up and aftercare has been published in the highly-regarded Patient Experience Journal.

The report, commissioned by us and conducted by the health and social care research charity Picker, was originally published in June 2023. It highlighted a lack of understanding of the impact of meningitis from health professionals, as well as a lack of follow-up referrals and recovery information for patients.

At the time our chief executive, Tom Nutt, said: “Our report highlights a shocking lack of support for people affected by meningitis. Patients are leaving hospital with little or no follow up, poor information and support. Everyone deserves the best possible person-centred care, always.”

Informative and insightful

Claire Donovan, our Helpline and Information Nurse Manager and one of the authors of the article, alongside colleagues from Meningitis Now and Picker, said “It’s great to see this informative and insightful piece of work has been published in a journal that contributes to the field of patient experience, and with access to a global readership.”

The article concludes: “Although meningitis affects a small proportion of adults, it can have a substantial impact on the lives of those who have suffered from it. Regardless of the cause of meningitis, the findings highlighted gaps in information provision, awareness, follow-up care and support for adults.”

Findings from the Picker Report have been submitted to the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) for consideration in the development of guidelines for bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease

Transforming the human experience in healthcare

Patient Experience Journal (PXJ) is an international, multidisciplinary, and multi-method, open-access, peer-reviewed, and patient-included journal published by The Beryl Institute, the global community of healthcare professionals and experience champions committed to transforming the human experience in healthcare.

It is more than an academic journal, publishing practical and applicable research, knowledge and insights that not only push the boundaries of evidence but also positively impact practice and policy, leading to better outcomes.

Claire added: “We hope the article will contribute to improving positive outcomes for those who have recently left hospital following meningitis. In the meantime, we’d like to remind people of our nurse-led Helpline for those who may be looking for further information and support during their recovery.”