Dear sceptics of patient engagement in research

Abstract

Dawn P Richards challenges some of the common objections to patient engagement in research I have been in a lot of spaces over the years where people were not convinced about patient engagement in research. They often feel that they already have enough to do, or that this is “yet another” hoop that funding agencies are requiring them to jump through. I am writing this for you. I am not entirely sure that I will change your mind, but hopefully I can get you to think about some of your objections and why patient engagement in research is generally a good thing. ### Patients are vulnerable in most systems Firstly, I would ask you to consider that patients are pretty much at the bottom of the pecking order in most situations or settings. In healthcare, they are beholden to healthcare providers and are obliged to behave like a “good patient.”` A good patient asks questions gently or strategically (or not at all!), avoids being too “difficult,” and does not challenge the professionals. Never mind that patients live 24/7 with their chronic condition or the health consequences of an acute illness, and that they manage as best …