Why healthcare providers need patient voices to shape healthcare

The value of patient and family partnerships

Involving patients and their families in the work of hospitals and clinics (i.e. healthcare providers) can help to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and personal experience. It can help to shape healthcare delivery, develop treatment pathways, optimise patient journeys and co-create healthcare innovations. Listening to patients can provide insights into where the health system is doing well and what needs to be improved.

This can influence how care and services are designed and delivered, improving the overall quality, safety and satisfaction levels in the healthcare system, while ensuring that they are aligned with the needs, values and experiences of those who use them.

Partnering with patients and their families at the point-of-care can also enhance shared decision-making, which can improve satisfaction with care and better quality decisions. It can also empower them in their care and improve health literacy.

To involve patients and families, hospitals in some countries have been setting up formal Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) and Lived Experience Partners or through ad hoc advisory and co-design roles.

Here is some information on healthcare providers involving patients and families in shaping healthcare and the patient experience:

Patient and Care Partner Community – The Beryl Institute

IHI Patient Pool / IHI Innovative Health Initiative

NHS England » How to get involved

SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN)

Discussion

Starting from the core principle, ‘nothing about us, without us’, think about a healthcare or research decision (real or hypothetical) which would be more effective if patients (or research participants) were able to be involved in shaping it.

Share your opinion in the comments below and try to reply to at least one other comment.