How to develop a patient and carer advisory group in a quality improvement study.
BACKGROUND
This paper explores how a group of people with renal or other vascular conditions collaborated with renal practitioners in undertaking a quality improvement project, the aim of which was to reduce variation in care for people with Stages 3-4 chronic kidney disease.
The patient advisory group supporting the project took a decisive and leading role in the creation of self-management materials and subsequent training for healthcare professionals and patients. The role of the patient advisory group was evaluated informally throughout the project. Confidence amongst the patient advisory group members grew as the project developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians are often unclear on how to involve patients and carers in quality improvement projects, yet it is increasingly recognised as important. In practice, patients with experience of long-term conditions can co-lead quality improvement projects. It is recommended that further evaluation of the role of advisory groups is warranted.
Kidney Alliance, UK. fiona.loud@live.co.uk
Fiona
F
Loud
Neerja
N
Jain
Nicola
N
Thomas
D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017028:Caregivers; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D007857:Leadership; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012648:Self Care; D006113:United Kingdom
Chronic kidney disease; Patient involvement; Quality improvement; Self-management