Quality of life as a basis for system change

Abstract

his paper celebrates Peter Huxley’s contribution to placing quality of life at the centre of service planning and responses. Drawing on our research findings with 81 patients from Community Mental Health Teams, this paper argues that patient outcomes are improved when their voices are used to inform service design. Using the Manchester Short Assessment Quality of Life (MANSA), patients prioritised three of the eight domains: employment, financial stability and leisure activities. These findings were used to inform system change by addressing patient needs to increase their financial and social inclusion. This paper seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of Peter’s work with reference to two examples: mental health needs arising from COVID-19 and the needs of criminally exploited children and young people. It concludes that Peter’s legacy provides the tools needed to ensure that services work together efficiently and effectively to address unmet needs and enhance quality of life