Logging The BMJ ’s “patient journey”

Abstract

Big changes, big challenges, much learning, and encouraging progress Recognising the crucial role of patients in tackling “corruption in the mission of healthcare,” two years ago The BMJ set up an international patient advisory panel to help us develop a strategy to promote patient partnership.1 We figured that “walking the talk” in our own editorial processes was the best way to advance change. We launched our strategy last June, and its development is charted on thebmj.com (www.bmj.com/campaign/patient-partnership).2 At a recent meeting with our patient panel we agreed that our annual report card should read, “Good start, but more work is needed.” This was predictable. Patients and health professionals know all too well that while it’s easy to make token gestures, it’s hugely challenging to achieve genuine partnership, whether in policy making, clinical practice, service delivery, or research.3 But as with any worthwhile challenge, it’s taught us a lot. The BMJ editorial staff, and the authors that they work with, have struggled to respond to the changes we have set in motion. But as processes have changed, so too have mindsets. The close relationships we have developed with members of …