Call for Input: Experience working with consumer engagement in implementation

Researchers at the University of Arkansas’ Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System are seeking input from implementation scientists as part of a research study to develop guidelines on how to engage patients and other consumers in healthcare implementation activities. The study will assess current examples in the field and barriers participants in the survey have encountered. Consumers could include families, patients, caregivers, and are especially interested in consumers who experience health disparities. The setting is healthcare.

Examples of consumer engagement in implementation activities:

• Consulting consumers on systems redesign, such as changing patient flow in a pain clinic
• Including patients as active members of healthcare quality improvement teams
• Developing a patient advisory board who makes recommendations on which disease state or intervention to improve next at a hospital

WHAT: 10-minute e-mail survey and/or telephone call for 20 minutes. The aim is to learn your experience working with consumers implementing an intervention, systems redesign, or quality improvement. Researchers may ask for examples of practical tools used. This is part of a research study.

RISK: You might not want to share your intellectual property. You can stop participating at any time or not share practical tools.

BENEFIT: Although there is no direct benefit to you, they will share the final guidelines for consumer engagement in healthcare implementation with you as gratitude for your contributions.

GET IN TOUCH: Simply email “I will participate” to eva.woodward2@va.gov or our research assistant, Andrea: amelgarcastillo@uams.edu. You can also call Dr. Woodward at 501-257-1745.