L’expérience des patients partenaires impliqués dans la formation des futurs professionnels de la santé
Chronic diseases are a significant social problem. They are responsible for 63% of deaths and are the leading cause of death in the world (WHO, 2019). Given the chronicity and complexity of these diseases, treatments often require prolonged care and the involvement of several health professionals (Golay, 2001). In this context, the effectiveness of treatments depends, among other things, on the expertise of patients in the management of their condition as well as on optimal collaboration among professionals (Wagner, 2000). This explains the change in the philosophy and practice that has marked the evolution of health care over the past 50 years. Consequently, it becomes essential that this collaborative approach in partnership be reflected in the training of future professional by means of training in interprofessional collaboration (Barr et al., 2017). It is likely a promising way to improve the health of populations and optimize the quality of care (Pomey et al., 2015b). In order to adequately prepare its students for various health professions, Université de Montréal offers training activities in interprofessional collaboration that involve patient-educators and students from 13 programs (DCPP, 2019; Vanier et al., 2013). The involvement of patient-as-trainers remains voluntary and can be demanding on a personal level justifying that we investigate what motivates them and what they get from their involvement in order to perpetuate their essential commitment to the development of care and training environments. This study was able to shed light on the symbolic role of the academic environment for patient-as-trainers. The desire to have a positive impact in the development of future health professionals would be one of their main motivations. In addition, their teaching experience seems to be part of a larger personal developmental process allowing them to consolidate their identity as patient and to grow as a human. Accordingly, the creation of a space where they can exchange and feel more supported by the training environments, as well as the respect of the principles of the partnership among all the parties involved in the workshops would be a promising avenue to better meet their needs and ensure the sustainability of their commitment.
Patient Partnership Patient-as-trainers interprofessional education