What is meant by 'patient centred' research? - service users' views
Abstract
Background: Researchers are increasingly encouraged to be more patient centred, yet what does this mean to service users? The aim of this project was to explore service users' views on the concept of patient-centredness within schizophrenia research. Methods: Thirteen service users participated in two focus groups, during which they used an iterative process to delineate key factors reflecting a patient centred approach to schizophrenia research.Results: Thirteen factors were identified 1 respect, 2holistic view; 3 process fits research; 4 being valued; 5 complete� all – entire’, 6 _quotes from patients’; 7 _patients at centre’; 8 _time for patient’; 9 _involvement and recognising’; 10 _fulfilling patients’ needs’; 11 _people friendly’; 12 _individual ownership’; 13 _of what use?’
Conclusions: These findings suggest that service users' views pertaining to patient-centred research are not so much concerned with the content of the research, or even the condition being studied, but rather the process. That is, for research to be considered truly patient centred by service users, then they should be involved throughout the research process as respected, valued and recognised research collaborators.