As part of the ICONIC programme we will be adapting DIALOG+, which is a brief, low-cost solution focused intervention that improves the therapeutic effectiveness of routine clinical meetings between patients and clinicians.

DIALOG+ incorporates the DIALOG scale but goes far beyond administering a scale. It is the first approach that has been specifically developed to make routine patient-clinician meetings therapeutically effective, and is based on quality-of-life research, concepts of patient-centred communication, IT developments, and components of solution-focused therapy, and is supported by an app.

The patient is asked to rate their satisfaction with eight quality of life domains and three treatment aspects on a scale from 1 (totally dissatisfied) to 7 (totally satisfied). This is followed by a question on whether they would like more help with this area. 

The patient's ratings are then summarised and the patient and clinician agree which domains to discuss further, followed by a four-step solution focused approach to identify existing resources that can be mobilised to address the concerns.

DIALOG+ is evidence based and delivered face-to-face by health professionals using an electronic tablet. It uses existing staffing and resources, requires little training and is being used in several NHS trusts for routine care planning in mental health services.