Patient involvement in clinical care and research has gained momentum in recent years, firstly because the patient community itself is asking for a more active role. But also, because patient participation in health care systems has been proven to improve treatment outcomes.
«Scientific associations are increasingly recognising that patients can contribute to the success of congresses and health care meetings – outlines Francesca Manzani –. But involving patients in scientific congresses is a sensitive matter which must be carefully managed, decision-making needs to involve all stakeholders and ethics and compliance rules need to be scrupulously followed».
At medical events, virtual patients and in some cases real patients have been involved passively to facilitate HCP learning. In recent years, it has been widely accepted that providing patients, and patient associations, with a more “active” role can change mind-sets and open new and enriched learning opportunities.
The White Paper explains that, once a decision has been made to strategically involve patients in the congress, they can be entrusted to play different roles, such as:
«Various research studies have demonstrated the positive effect of patient involvement which strongly surpasses any risks and associated costs. The win-win collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients at congresses can provide major benefits» adds Manzani. The benefits from patients involvement described in the White Paper includes: