Julia Amann1, Mirjam Brach2, Sara Rubinelli2. 1. Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland; Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne and Swiss Paraplegic Research, Lucerne/Nottwil, Switzerland. Electronic address: julia.amann@paraplegie.ch. 2. Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland; Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne and Swiss Paraplegic Research, Lucerne/Nottwil, Switzerland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study explored healthcare professionals' accounts of patient participation, focusing particularly on aspects related to patients' contributions to the planning and design of healthcare services and products. It aimed to determine (1) how healthcare professionals experience patient participation, (2) what factors, in their view, may inhibit or promote it; and (3) through what channels they think it can take place. METHODS: This study adopted a pragmatic epistemological approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals at four specialized centers for spinal cord injury in Switzerland. RESULTS: Healthcare professionals who participated in this study were generally open to patient participation in the healthcare innovation process, highlighting several factors that may influence this process. Participants referred to three types of patient contributions that would usually emerge from informal exchange: (1) bringing in information unknown to staff; (2) reporting problems; and (3) providing concrete suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSION & PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals' positive view on and experiences with patient participation in the healthcare innovation process provide a fertile ground to further explore ways of fostering this new form of collaboration. Ultimately, it will be important to demonstrate its positive impact on both patients' as well as healthcare professionals' experiences.
OBJECTIVES: This study explored healthcare professionals' accounts of patient participation, focusing particularly on aspects related to patients' contributions to the planning and design of healthcare services and products. It aimed to determine (1) how healthcare professionals experience patient participation, (2) what factors, in their view, may inhibit or promote it; and (3) through what channels they think it can take place. METHODS: This study adopted a pragmatic epistemological approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals at four specialized centers for spinal cord injury in Switzerland. RESULTS: Healthcare professionals who participated in this study were generally open to patient participation in the healthcare innovation process, highlighting several factors that may influence this process. Participants referred to three types of patient contributions that would usually emerge from informal exchange: (1) bringing in information unknown to staff; (2) reporting problems; and (3) providing concrete suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSION & PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals' positive view on and experiences with patient participation in the healthcare innovation process provide a fertile ground to further explore ways of fostering this new form of collaboration. Ultimately, it will be important to demonstrate its positive impact on both patients' as well as healthcare professionals' experiences.
Authors: Maha Pervaz Iqbal; Elizabeth Manias; Laurel Mimmo; Stephen Mears; Briony Jack; Liz Hay; Reema Harrison Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2020-10-15 Impact factor: 2.655