Patients need to be involved in decisions about their care and in health policy decision-making. Decisions made at every level ultimately affect patients' lives.   

A meaningful role

Therefore patients have a moral and ethical right to play a meaningful role in developing healthcare policies. Engaging patients in health policy decision-making helps to ensure that policies reflect patient and caregiver needs, preferences and capabilities, making it an appropriate and cost-effective way to address the needs of the growing number of people with chronic conditions.

There is growing evidence that patient-centred healthcare promotes greater patient responsibility and optimal usage which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes, quality of life and patient satisfaction.

Policy briefing 2017

• Patients should be considered not just as sources of data, but as individuals who hold valuable information and opinions that will benefit research
• Patient input is important in identifying research priorities before a research study, keeping the process patient-friendly during a research study, and ensuring the outcomes are appropriately communicated after a research study
• Patients should use the resources available to them to become knowledgeable about their opportunities, rights, support, and expertise when taking part in research

Read policy briefing here

Further IAPO resources

• Policy Statement on Patient Involvement 
• Guidelines for Patient Involvement 
• Patient empowerment report: for better quality, more sustainable health services globally