Expert perspectives on the active role of patients in their safety: Toward a framework using Delphi methodology

To develop a framework for Patient Engagement in Patient Safety (PEPS) in hospital.

The Delphi technique was embraced to involve a group of knowledgeable healthcare experts in the discussion and rating of the components of the PEPS framework. On a 5-point Likert scale, every item was separately rated based on the three aspects, which include applicability, clarity and validity. The PEPS framework included items with 75% or more of participants scoring 4-5 on all three aspects. Items not attaining 75% agreement on the aspects were either changed or discarded, after the group discussion and underwent another round of rerating.

A total of 17 members participated in the consensus-building process. Following two rounds of rating, the consensus was reached on the final framework which consisted of 28 items in four dimensions, relating to healthcare professionals, patients, community, and helth system, and three components substituted with patient empowerment, effective communication and patient-centeredness.

The development of PEPS framework is a stimulus to strengthen human resources for health capabilities, sustain a high level of quality patient outcomes, and improve the health system. Further studies to identify strategies are needed for the successful implementation of this framework.