August 2014
Improving patient experience and incorporating patient input into the design of healthcare services are critical priorities for many healthcare systems, but progress has been limited. This paper (referred to as an Evidence Boost) provides a context and summary of research findings on case studies of patient engagement for health system improvement across organizations in four countries.
Greater engagement of patients and families in organizational roles and care teams has helped healthcare organizations to improve quality, safety and patient experience. Insights from exemplar organizations suggest broader opportunities to improve health system performance.
This review found that effective patient and family-centered care and engagement require changes in values and relationships, but these, in turn, depend on creating structures, roles and policies that support these values and relationships.
Download the Evidence Boost