The Bevan Commission in partnership with Llais, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in the United States, has launched the 'Silly Rules' initiative aimed at identifying and reducing barriers to better care across health and social care services in Wales.
People, communities, and health and social care staff in Wales are encouraged to share their experiences through a survey. The survey aims to identify barriers and processes that do not add value or hinder safe, effective care, that could be changed or removed to improve services for everyone.
Silly Rules builds upon the success of the ‘Breaking the Rules for Better Care’ campaign launched by healthcare improvement pioneer and Bevan Commissioner, Professor Don Berwick, in partnership with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in 2016. The campaign has since transformed how healthcare systems identify and address processes that frustrate those who access care, as well as professionals working in the system, ultimately improving outcomes, saving costs, and time and reducing waste.
Dr Helen Howson, Director of the Bevan Commission said:
“Often the best solutions come from the people who experience health and care services and those working in the system- both those providing and receiving care.
We know there are processes and rules that may have made sense at one time but are now out of date, creating unnecessary barriers and frustration. By launching the Silly Rules initiative in Wales, we're allowing everyone to help identify these.
This isn't just about finding problems - it's about working together to create practical solutions that improve health and care for everyone. Building on the success we've seen globally with this approach, we believe this initiative has the potential to transform how we deliver care in Wales, making it more efficient, more responsive, and ultimately more patient-centred."
Alyson Thomas, Chief Executive of Llais said:
“This is a great opportunity for us to join forces with the Bevan Commission to hear your ‘Silly Rules’. Our unique role in Llais means we can hear from people across both health and social care, giving us access to a broader range of ideas, and experiences, and allowing people who access care and support and staff to have a voice.”
The findings of the Silly Rules survey will be shared in the first quarter of 2025 with people and communities, health boards, trusts, and social care organisations across Wales. This collective insight will help health and social care leaders and policymakers understand how to remove unnecessary barriers, driving positive changes that improve people’s care, outcomes and experiences, as well as staff satisfaction.
By participating, health and social care staff and the people and communities of Wales can contribute to meaningful improvements in Welsh health and social care. Together, we can break down barriers to better care.