Welcome to the Public Discussion ‘Patient and Public Involvement in Health’

The forum paper for patient and public involvement in health, suggested discussion themes, articles and web links seek to create a foundation for discussion, developing greater synthesis for how we can engage staff, learners and the public as equal partners in decision making working together; as individuals and groups to shape policy, shape services, shape the future workforce as well as influencing future healthcare education and training (commissioning, design, delivery and review).

by Rachel Hawley, Change Comes From Within

1. Discussion DocumentThe emergent language for patient and public involvement in health sets a challenging agenda; for practitioners, for learners and for those responsible for learning support and the recognition of learning.


2. Suggested Themes for Discussion It is acknowledged that the language and terms that define and support patient and public involvement is varied. How can experiences and learning within the UK and Europe be shared to support future development? Key statements highlight suggested themes for discussion. These include: How is the UK doing relative to other countries? competence development to support learning and practice, mentoring and coaching, stories and narrative, commissioning, information and choice, widening participation in learning.


3. Articles of Interest A number of articles are included on the forum.


4. Useful Web Links A number of web links are included on the forum.

Facilitators note:

Many people participating in this discussion forum will have been touched by the news of Bob Sang’s untimely death this month. The sudden, and unexpected loss of Bob has taken away one of the most inspirational leaders about patient and public involvement in health, and a close colleague and friend to many working in this area.

Through the things that Bob has written, the conversations he had and the memories he had left Bob will continue to inspire and influence our thinking and developments through the forum.