Patientsʼ involvement in their own care through quality improvement initiatives: a systematic review of qualitative and opinion evidence

Abstract

Review question/objective The objective of this review is to identify the barriers and enablers towards patients being involved in quality improvement efforts towards their own health care. The review question is: What difference does the involvement of patients in quality improvement projects and processes make to their own health? Inclusion criteria Types of participants The qualitative and textual components of this review will consider studies that include adults and children of all ages experiencing any health problem. Phenomena of interest The qualitative and textual components of this review will consider studies that evaluate the involvement of patients in quality improvement efforts/projects. in any health setting in all areas of health. Types of outcomes This review will consider studies that include amongst others, the following outcome measures: patient empowerment or satisfaction, clinical outcomes as appropriate to the QI e.g. blood levels, admissions and cost outcomes. Types of studies The qualitative and textual components of this review will consider studies that focus on qualitative data, including but not limited to designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research and feminist research.