The Meaningful Role of Patients, and Other Stakeholders in Clinical Practice Guideline Development

Abstract

Patient participation is an integral component in the development of clinical practice guidelines. However, patient engagement remains suboptimal, which signifies a predicament in guideline's legitimacy and transparency. Limited budgets, logistic constraints, and discordance in patients' and researchers' perception of a meaningful involvement are some barriers that hinder patient engagement. Advancing skill development across various roles within the guideline's process will enrich patient's contribution and allow them to voice their experience, knowledge, perspective, and concerns. Continuing patient education and evaluation of their engagement on both outcome and process will facilitate team cohesion, trustworthiness, and value to achieve optimal quality of care.

Keywords: Clinical guidelines development; Patient advocacy groups; Patient partners; Patient stakeholders; Role of patients in guidelines development.