Abstract Body

Background and purpose: Active patient involvement can contribute to improved treatment outcomes and more patient-centered care. Yet, patient involvement remains a challenge in clinical practice. We aimed to develop a new tool, the PREparing Patients for Active Involvement in medication Review (PREPAIR) tool, to enhance systematic patient involvement in conversations about medication optimization in general practice.

Methods: A literature review was conducted and followed by co-producing activities: 1) a workshop with six GPs and 2) pilot testing including observations and interviews with 22 patients, three GPs and three staff members. During this process, continuous adaptations of the PREPAIR were made.

Results: The final tool included five questions: 1) satisfaction with current medications, 2) experience of taking too much medication, 3) major side effects, 4) experience of taking unnecessary medication, and 5) medication-related topics to discuss with the GP (open-ended question). The PREPAIR tool was completed by the patient before the GP consultation to encourage patient reflections on own medications. During the consultation, the GP’s focus changed from the computer towards the patient, questionnaire responses were reviewed, and potential medication-related problems were discussed. The patients were empowered to speak, and the GPs improved their understanding of patient perspectives on medications. Although some GPs suggested a broader scope on health perspectives, the PREPAIR tool was received positively by both patients and GPs.

Conclusions: We developed a brief and useful tool to support systematic patient involvement in general practice. Future research should address whether the PREPAIR tool can contribute to improved patient outcomes and quality of care.