Perceptions of people with respiratory problems on physician performance evaluation-A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Education
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Growing emphasis on patient and public involvement in healthcare quality improvement.
• Limited research on how patient evaluations can inform physician learning and performance assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient perspectives on their role in evaluating physician performance.
• To understand how patient feedback can support physician learning and professional competence.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• 25 patients from secondary care settings in the Netherlands participated.
• Data analysis employed template analysis with a priori coding framework.

Main Results:

• Identified three patient perspectives: proactive, restrained, and outsider.
• Perspectives varied based on perceived power dynamics, feedback willingness, and ability.
• Patient perspectives influenced their envisioned role in physician evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Patients can contribute to physician performance evaluation and training.
• Successful patient involvement requires recognizing diverse perspectives and empowering patients.
• Creating a safe feedback environment is crucial for effective patient engagement.