Nothing About Patients Without Patients: More Than Just a Catchphrase!

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Engagement
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Historically, patients were excluded from healthcare teams, despite care being a 'team sport'.
• The Institute of Medicine's 2001 report, Crossing the Quality Chasm, identified patient-centered care as a key quality aim.
• Numerous organizations, including The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, now emphasize patient-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe innovative approaches for patient-centered care at Kaiser Permanente, Southern California.
• To highlight methods for enhancing patient collaboration in healthcare improvement efforts.
• To provide a framework for healthcare organizations to partner with patients for better care.

Main Methods:

• Implementing individual patient approaches.
• Integrating patients into healthcare teams.
• Effectively utilizing patient and family advisory councils.

Main Results:

• These approaches have significantly increased the patient-centeredness of the organization.
• Patient engagement in codesigning improvement efforts is effective and necessary.
• Partnerships with patients enhance healthcare quality, safety, equity, and affordability.

Conclusions:

• Patient-centered care, involving patients in all aspects of their healthcare, is crucial.
• The slogan 'Nothing About Patients Without Patients' reflects the growing expectation for patient involvement.
• Collaborative models are vital for delivering high-quality, safe, equitable, and affordable healthcare.