Background Gathering feedback is essential for hospices to enable improvements in service provision. The pandemic resulted in a reduction in survey response rates. Streamlining the current approach/analysis was seen as an opportunity. We paired with University of Leicester (UoL) researchers to develop a digital survey tool for patients.

Aim To develop a tool that will offer a higher volume of patient experience with high resolution data, to enable us to improve environments, clinical practices and training requirements, ultimately driving increased satisfaction rates. A switch away from paper-based surveys will enable sustainable practice and reduce costs.

Method We identified design specifications to create the digital tool. The quantitative analysis helped develop the framework that met the hospice requirements. Using the design specifications, the team created the tool. This was a co-design approach involving the UoL researchers and hospice staff. Emphasis was put on the visuals and accessibility. Finally, we rolled the digital survey out to some services. The survey was shared with 46 patients over a period of 4 weeks.

Results The quantitative analysis underscored the need for a digital tool. This meant that our service users were able to offer quantitative and text-based feedback rapidly. The automated data analysis enabled us to receive rich, contextualised data with a ‘single click’. This capability reduces the need for hospice staff inputting data entry/analysis/report writing. Within the last month the survey has been implemented and has been well received. Therefore, administrators will save time as reports will be automatically retrievable. The survey will facilitate real-time feedback in a timely manner to identify areas of improvement.

Conclusion The work highlights how interdisciplinary collaborations can lead to creative solutions. The survey will help us to be more inclusive, personalised and respond to real-time feedback. Given the amount of time saved this is potentially transformative.