Work

Commercial influences on patient and public involvement: a renewed call for research and action

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Patient and public involvement is increasingly advocated in health policy, research and practice. Patients and people with lived experience, carers and the general public should have a say in how policy is generated, how services are delivered and how research is conducted. Through this perspective article, we hope to stimulate discussion and debate around industry influence in patient and public involvement, specifically pertaining to patient organizations, which often play a key role in patient and public involvement activities. As momentum gathers around patient and public involvement in many countries, it is timely to discuss the nature and extent of commercial influences in such activities, the (un)anticipated consequences of industry-patient interactions, including conflicts of interest and motivated bias, and how we might better manage, or negate, such interactions. Patient and public involvement must be integral to research, policy and practice. While further research is needed to examine the interactions, and consequences of pharmaceutical industry interactions with patients, several practical steps can be taken in the interim. Structures, processes and supports, which are fit for purpose, are needed to ensure independence, power and legitimacy within patient and public involvement activities, and that patient advocates have their voices heard, and ultimately acted upon.

Source: Health Promotion International

DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae188

Authors: Marita Hennessy, Tom Fahey, James Larkin

Institutions: University College Cork, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health and Patient Involvement

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,788