Patient engagement in Canada

Patient engagement in Canada refers to the active involvement of patients in the Canadian healthcare system. It has gained prominence since the early 2000s. Patient engagement in Canada encompasses various aspects, including patient advisory, patient partnership, and patient-oriented research.

In patient-oriented research, patients actively participate in governance, priority setting, and the development of research questions. They may even contribute to certain parts of the research process itself. This approach is aligned with person-centered care, where patients play an active role in their own treatment and research related to their conditions.

Patient advisory involves appointing patient advisors who provide advice to healthcare institutions and professionals from the perspective of patients, their family members, and caregivers. These advisors offer valuable insights and experiences to improve the quality of care provided.

Patient partnership focuses on establishing collaborative relationships between patients and healthcare workers or institutions. This partnership ensures that patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, receive appropriate care while also sharing their experiential knowledge to benefit future patients. Patient partnership can also involve collaborating on research projects and grants as co-authors.

Patient-oriented research involves engaging patients, caregivers, family members, and friends in the research process. This approach allows medical professionals to gain a deeper understanding of patient priorities, leading to improved healthcare outcomes in the future.

Patient engagement in Canada is an evolving concept that aims to empower patients and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery. It recognizes the importance of including patients as active participants in decision-making processes and research initiatives.