IAPO chair speaks on the crucial role of patients

KP Tsang, IAPO Chair, recently attended and spoke at the Fourth International Hospital Federation (IHF) Hospital and Healthcare Leadership Summit, held in Seoul, South Korea on 13 November 2014.

KP gave a keynote speech during the session titled, 'What is the institutional role for patients in healthcare organisations?'. He said: 

'Healthcare systems are under threat and patients are not getting the care they need or deserve. The global economic crisis, an ageing population and the increase in chronic diseases are placing a large burden on individuals, communities and countries.

'In response, we must champion patient-centred healthcare. There needs to be strengthened personal and institutional patient involvement at every level.

'By following patient-centred healthcare principles, guidelines for patient engagement and looking to existing examples of strong institutional patient involvement, organizations can and should put the patient first at every level.'  

The presentation

The session ensured that patient involvement across different world regions was showcased in discussions and demonstrated to many delegates. 80 participants attended the conference from 21 countries.  

KP's presentation is available for download.

IAPO has a Memorandum of Understanding with the IHF.