Four days in a strange place…

Abstract

NHS research governance makes it almost impossible to collect certain kinds of data on the everyday life of hospitals and the experience of patients. Fortunately, those of us who get sick enough to be admitted can write about the experience without fear of regulation. This paper presents some observations on clinical ethics, ward organization and infection control that would have been difficult to obtain in any other way, but which illustrate the policy and information costs of the present system. While not personally recommending this as a research strategy, the paper identifies a growing evidence gap and comments on its implications for the delivery of humane and well-organized care.