Example

It is important for the Steering Group to think in advance about how best to support patients and carers, both with information before the workshop and with any support that they might need on the day.  The Autism PSP provided detailed photo instructions to the workshop venue, which can be seen on the PSP web page on the JLA website at http://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/priority-setting-partnerships/autism/.  The Steering Group also thought carefully about what requirements and sensitivities people with autism might have during the workshop, so that arrangements could be made to help them feel comfortable and able to contribute effectively.  This included having a fourth facilitator, so the small groups had fewer participants and were less overwhelming, and the provision of a quiet space for people to use if they needed time out.