Successful participation of patients in interprofessional team meetings: A qualitative study

Jerome Jean Jacques van Dongen*, Iris Gerarda Josephine Habets, Anna Beurskens, Marloes Amantia van Bokhoven

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BackgroundThe number of people with multiple chronic conditions increases as a result of ageing. To deal with the complex health-care needs of these patients, it is important that health-care professionals collaborate in interprofessional teams. To deliver patient-centred care, it is often recommended to include the patient as a member of the team.

ObjectiveTo gain more insight into how health-care professionals and patients, who are used to participate in interprofessional team meetings, experience and organize patient participation in the team meetings.

MethodsA qualitative study including observations of meetings (n=8), followed by semi-structured interviews with participating health-care professionals (n=8), patients and/or relatives (n=11). Professionals and patients were asked about their experiences of patient participation immediately after the team meetings. Results from both observations and interviews were analysed using content analysis.

ResultsThe findings show a variety of influencing factors related to patient participation that can be divided into five categories: (i) structure and task distribution, (ii) group composition, (iii) relationship between professionals and patients or relatives, (iv) patients' characteristics and (v) the purpose of the meeting.

ConclusionPatient participation during team meetings was appreciated by professionals and patients. A tailored approach to patient involvement during team meetings is preferable. When considering the presence of patients in team meetings, it is recommended to pay attention to patients' willingness and ability to participate, and the necessary information shared before the meeting. Participating patients seem to appreciate support and preparation for the meeting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)724-733
Number of pages10
JournalHealth Expectations
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2017

Keywords

  • chronic diseases
  • co-operative behaviour
  • interdisciplinary communication
  • interprofessional collaboration
  • interprofessional team meetings
  • patient care team
  • patient participation
  • qualitative research
  • DECISION-MAKING
  • CANCER-PATIENTS
  • HEALTH-CARE
  • COMMUNICATION
  • INVOLVEMENT
  • PREFERENCE
  • CAREGIVERS
  • PLAN

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