Developing a Partnership Between Patient & Provider

Patient engagement is the right thing to do, the safe thing to do, and the helpful thing to do.

Patients who are engaged and involved in their healthcare, without question, have better health outcomes and reduced risk of harm. This is why healthcare needs to be seen as a partnership between healthcare providers, patients and families.

Everyone has a role to play in patient safety.

We heard of an analogy that we use in our public presentations, where the healthcare system can be viewed like white water rafting. White water rafting is complex, there is a chance for complications, and it can be challenging to navigate. In the raft are all the team players, and they all have the same goal destination. In the back you have the healthcare providers & leaders steering, while the patients & their families or caregivers are in the front paddling. Those in the front need to trust those steering, and their years of experience in the raft, but those in the back also need the close-up perspective of those in the front. And they all need to be on the same page to paddle together in the direction needed.

What do you think of this analogy?

There are a few principles that can help develop a successful partnership:

1. Have a common purpose

• Share and work together towards a common goal which is best for the patient.
• Share the understanding of each person’s roles and responsibilities.

2. Communicate in open and honest manner

• Share information in a timely manner.
• Involve all partners in making informed decisions about care.
• Implement the art of listening.

3. Value each other

• Be respectful to all partners all the time.
• Be fair and objective when talking about concerns.

Just like any other relationship, we sometimes need these reminders. It’s important to remember, this is not just a provider to patient relationship, it is a human to human one.