EQK Patient Organisations

The project examines the needs and requirements of patient organisations with regard to strengthening the involvement of patients, their families and the society in the Swiss health care system.

Factsheet

Situation

Internationally, the systematic involvement of patients, their families and the society in health care is being increasingly promoted. The aim is to provide more person-centred healthcare and improve the quality of care. According to the American Academy of Medical Science, patient-centred healthcare is defined as "care that respects and protects the preferences, needs and values of each individual patient”. In addition, all clinical decisions should be guided by the patient's values whenever possible. Although a number of convincing concepts already exist, the integration of the patient's perspective seems o be complex and challenging. With this mandate, the Swiss Federal Quality Commission (EQC) wishes to clarify the needs and requirements of patient organisations with regard to strengthening the involvement of patients, their families and society. Patient organisations represent the interests of individuals with health problems by advocating their concerns in the public and political context. However, cooperation between patient organisations and health care providers (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) is not yet systematically organised, and patient organisations would like to be able to represent the interests of their clients more effectively in the future.

Course of action

In this project, representants of several patient organisations will be consulted to clarify the need for action to strengthen the involvement of patients, their families and the society in the Swiss healthcare system. With the support of the two partners (SUPSI and HE-Arc), a total of three "dialogue days" will be held in Bern, Neuchâtel and Manno-Lugano, and the results will be summarised in a report with recommendations for the Federal Quality Commission (EQC). This report will serve as a basis for the launch of a national quality development program, promoting participatory medicine and the systematic involvement of patients, their families and the society in the planning and design of healthcare services.

This project contributes to the following SDGs

  • 3: Good health and well-being
  • 10: Reduced inequalities