The Implementation of an Organizational Committee for Patient Engagement in the Context of Mental Health : A Case Study
Objective: There is a need for structure for patient engagement to function within mental healthcare organizations. Despite this, little is known about how to implement these kinds of structures, and even less on a strategic level. The aim is to study the implementation of a strategic organizational committee for patient engagement through its initiation and operationalization process, the factors that are facilitating or limiting the implementation, and the perceived consequences within the organization. Method: A qualitative approach has been used in this study. A single case study has been carried out with semi-structured interviews, focus groups and organizational documents as data sources. The participants were different actors (service users, managers on different levels, researchers, clinician, members of top management and user’s committee) taking part in the patient engagement. Results: The initiation process included a need for formalization, and the introduction of a vision of full citizenship, while the operationalization process contained the composition and role of the committee, the elaboration of a frame for the participation, and its ongoing application including evaluation. Several facilitating factors were identified, including top management support, leadership, and a vision behind the participation. The limiting ones mainly concerned resistance towards the participation and the existence of stigma. The consequences included increased and improved patient engagement, and reduced stigma within the organization. Conclusion: This study illustrates the process of implementation of a strategic organizational committee for patient engagement including multiple elements, actors, and influencing factors. It highlights the importance of leadership by many actors and a vision behind the participation, to successfully frame the patient engagement.
Structure Patient engagement Patient partner Mental health Implementation Committee