Benefits of and prerequisites for patient involvement in Current Care Guideline processes – A qualitative study

Background Quality standards for clinical practice guidelines state that all relevant stakeholders, including patients, should be involved. In the development of Current Care Guidelines patient involvement has earlier been through consultation of relevant patient organizations. The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to gather views on best ways to involve patients in the development of Current Care Guidelines.

Methods As part of a patient involvement programme, four group interviews were arranged for representatives of 12 patient organizations (n = 20). The qualitative data on benefits of and prerequisites for involvement was analysed thematically. 

Results Eight benefits of involvement were raised by the interviewees, four of them in all groups. The benefits were similar to those put forward by the researchers. The prerequisites for patient involvement could be categorized as representativeness, open and inclusive process, promoting understanding and support, and legitimacy. 

Conclusions The views of patient organizations and researchers on patient involvement are in line with each other. These results can be used in developing patient involvement in Current Care Guideline processes.

Raija Sipilä

M.D., Ph.D., Managing Editor

Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, Current Care Guidelines

Katri Hämeen-Anttila

Jorma Komulainen