The project creatively explored patients’ and clinicians’ views and experiences of Walsall’s podiatry service with the aim of strengthening the relationship between the people who use the service and those that work within it.

‘In my shoes’ publication has been used as a training tool within the podiatry service and is available at local surgeries and medical centres for patient perusal and reflection.

The project began with fly-on-the-wall filming capturing the ups and downs of a clinician’s day from the moment they left for work in the morning to the end of their shift. Patients were also invited to have a cup of tea and a chat following their treatments within the local medical centres to share their experiences and reflections of the service received.

The information gathered was turned into a series of cartoon storyboard stills by artist John McCrea to produce a publication sharing the collective experiences of both staff and patients. Artists gathered more information as they massaged hands and offered other participatory arts activities in the waiting room, always working closely with the project steering group to ensure sensitivity to sharing staff and patient views and experiences.

“The ultimate success of the project highlights the commitment of everyone involved and the learning which has taken place on all sides will definitely inform and strengthen future partnership project delivery. The degree of perseverance and commitment of partners should not be underestimated….The publication has already attracted positive attention from other Primary Care Trusts in using a similar model. Key to the success was the involvement of heads of services who were able to add their skills and expertise to the final editing process to ensure key messages were delivered along side staff and patient feedback”
Project evaluator

5,000 ‘In my Shoes’ publications were produced and disseminated across all podiatry services in Walsall.