The researchers conducted focus groups, in-depth interviews, and online surveys to identify the effect of patient partners on QI efforts. They found that patient partners influenced QI through three key mechanisms: symbolism, providing feedback (on written material for patients and new policies), and making suggestions (on office communication, educational materials, physical space, and clinical care processes). Nearly three-quarters of patient partners believed they had a moderate to very large impact on QI efforts, while eight of 10 QI team leaders reported that patient partners improved patient-centeredness of QI a "moderate amount" to a "great deal" through one of the three key mechanisms. Learn more...
