How does patient engagement work in a real-world setting? Recommendations, caveats, and challenges from a psychosocial perspective

Abstract

Objective: To propose a possible taxonomy for diverse stakeholders outside the healthcare communication field and to promote meaningful patient engagement in healthcare settings. Moreover, to support them in making more coherent policy, strategy, and practice decisions to enhance patient participation in their healthcare systems.

Discussion: This paper is part of the pEACH Position Papers Series and provides a critical and experience-based reflection on patient engagement in different healthcare-related settings. We propose a framework that operationalises actionable patient engagement at the micro-meso-macro levels. Finally, the authors will highlight some "points of attention" that need to be addressed to support patient engagement implementation in healthcare organisations.

Conclusion and practice implications: Understanding and systematising the established meanings of patient engagement through a psychosocial lens is critical to addressing the following questions: "how can various health care organisations ensure that authentic patient engagement informs decision-making and strategies", "how can these organisations build authentic connections with their patients", and importantly, "how can patients gain valuable and reliable insights through patient engagement"? Answering these questions can enable key stakeholders to make informed decisions that ensure the quality and effectiveness of patient engagement initiatives in different healthcare settings.

Keywords: Medical humanities; Participatory health; Participatory medicine; Patient engagement.