Elizabeth Shenkman, PhD 
Ryan Theis, PhD Why Engagement Matters
Involving patients and partners in quality improvement and implementation science studies brings invaluable perspectives and expertise to the table. By incorporating their lived experiences, you can identify topics, interventions, and health outcomes that truly matter to the people you serve, ensuring your efforts are both relevant and useful.
This page explains how to move beyond token gestures and build authentic partnerships at every level of your organization. Learn how to create a culture of engagement, from initial consultation to sustained collaboration, and discover how these relationships can drive lasting improvements in patient care.
Resources
This collection of resources is excerpted from the free CME course, Patient and Partner Engagement for Quality Improvement and Implementation Science. It provides the foundational knowledge and practical strategies needed to build authentic and effective partnerships with patients and other stakeholders. By integrating their valuable perspectives, you can enhance the quality, safety, and relevance of your healthcare initiatives.
Basic Principles of Engagement
In this brief video, Dr. Elizabeth Shenkman outlines the key principles for building authentic and effective relationships with patients and partners. She emphasizes respect, humility, action, transparency, and the importance of making engagement a system-wide commitment.
Engaging Patients and Partners in Quality Improvement
Watch this video to learn why involving patients and partners is essential for quality improvement. Dr. Elizabeth Shenkman explores the continuum of engagement—from minimal to sustained—and highlights the benefits of incorporating their experiences and expertise into your projects.