Learning Together: Engaging Patients as Partners in CPD

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Engagement
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Continuing professional development (CPD) traditionally excludes patient perspectives in planning and delivery.
• This exclusion creates a blind spot, limiting the development of patient-centric clinical skills.
• The increasing importance of shared decision-making necessitates greater patient involvement in clinician training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a strategic plan for integrating patients as active partners in CPD.
• To provide guidance on overcoming barriers to patient participation in medical education.
• To emphasize the value of patient input for enhancing CPD effectiveness and clinician competency.

Main Methods:

• Developing a framework for patient-partnered CPD.
• Guidance on securing leadership and faculty buy-in.
• Strategies for patient recruitment, training, and support.
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for patients and clinicians.
• Creating a safe and collaborative learning environment.

Main Results:

• The proposed plan facilitates the inclusion of patients in all aspects of CPD development and delivery.
• It addresses practical challenges in engaging patients as educators and collaborators.
• This model enhances the potential for clinicians to develop crucial patient-centric skills.

Conclusions:

• Patients are invaluable teachers and partners in continuing professional development.
• Integrating patient perspectives enriches CPD, fostering better patient care and clinician skills.
• Proactive engagement and collaboration are key to successfully involving patients in medical education.