Author:

Keywords:

Belgium, survey, patient participation, patient associations, hospitals, experiential knowledge,, Health Policy & Services, 1608 Sociology, 4410 Sociology

Abstract:

Participation and healthcare: a survey investigating current and desired levels of collaboration between patient organizations and hospitals Background: Patient participation is widely seen as a way of improving the quality of healthcare. It is encouraged by public health policies, but the systematic development and implementation of these policies in practice is still lacking. Objective: To facilitate a structural approach to the involvement of patient organizations at the meso level, we conducted an explorative survey to gain an understanding of the current state of collaboration between patient associations and hospitals, and to gain an insight into the needs and wishes of these patient organizations. Design: 111 patient organizations participated in our cross-sectional web-based survey. The results were analysed using a quantitative and qualitative approach. Results: The majority of the patient organizations in the survey aspired to “advise” healthcare professionals regarding service development and evaluations. They wish to participate in hospital processes, produce brochures to inform their peers and provide support for peers. The aim of their collaboration with hospitals is fourfold: to offer complementary services to patients of the hospital, increase patient satisfaction, facilitate patient empowerment and increase the quality of care. In general, the organizations reported a need for increased support. Discussion and conclusion: The ultimate ambition of patient organizations is to collaborate more closely with professionals and become an acknowledged partner in patient care networks. After all, successful collaboration can produce synergies and establish a complementary type of care and information for both patients and caregivers.