Patients need to be involved in decisions about their care and in health policy decision-making. Decisions made at every level ultimately affect patients' lives.
A meaningful role
Therefore patients have a moral and ethical right to play a meaningful role in developing healthcare policies. Engaging patients in health policy decision-making helps to ensure that policies reflect patient and caregiver needs, preferences and capabilities, making it an appropriate and cost-effective way to address the needs of the growing number of people with chronic conditions.
There is growing evidence that patient-centred healthcare promotes greater patient responsibility and optimal usage which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes, quality of life and patient satisfaction.
Policy briefing 2017
- Patients should be considered not just as sources of data, but as individuals who hold valuable information and opinions that will benefit research
- Patient input is important in identifying research priorities before a research study, keeping the process patient-friendly during a research study, and ensuring the outcomes are appropriately communicated after a research study
- Patients should use the resources available to them to become knowledgeable about their opportunities, rights, support, and expertise when taking part in research
Read policy briefing here