Wyva
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Abstract
Background: Patient participation can contribute to establishing high-quality, sustainable health services.
This study explored patient representatives’ perceptions of developing primary healthcare services to identify contextual factors that matter to their participation.
Methods: Applying a bottom-up research approach, we conducted four focus groups and six individual interviews with patient representatives from four Norwegian municipalities. The participants had prior experience collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop healthcare services. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used for data analysis, guided by involvement in research throughout the research process.
Findings: Two themes were identified as key contextual factors with implications for patient participation. First, the lack of an overall plan for patient participation in primary healthcare was perceived to limit the degree of involvement. Second, the lack of an organizational culture supporting patient participation was understood as making involvement complicated and laborious.
Conclusion: This article indicates that the intention of patient participation is not realized and that primary healthcare is unprepared for involvement. Our findings warrant discussion on policy and local levels about the prioritization of patient participation in primary healthcare service development.
Open access
Background: Patient participation can contribute to establishing high-quality, sustainable health services.
This study explored patient representatives’ perceptions of developing primary healthcare services to identify contextual factors that matter to their participation.
Methods: Applying a bottom-up research approach, we conducted four focus groups and six individual interviews with patient representatives from four Norwegian municipalities. The participants had prior experience collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop healthcare services. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used for data analysis, guided by involvement in research throughout the research process.
Findings: Two themes were identified as key contextual factors with implications for patient participation. First, the lack of an overall plan for patient participation in primary healthcare was perceived to limit the degree of involvement. Second, the lack of an organizational culture supporting patient participation was understood as making involvement complicated and laborious.
Conclusion: This article indicates that the intention of patient participation is not realized and that primary healthcare is unprepared for involvement. Our findings warrant discussion on policy and local levels about the prioritization of patient participation in primary healthcare service development.
Open access
