Abstract
Introduction
Patient engagement focuses on the relationship between patients and health care providers to promote active involvement in healthcare decisions. Social determinants of health can lead to inequities in the implementation of care in populations of patients with various chronic diseases. Patient engagement supports equitable approaches to care in disadvantaged communities, while aiding in the improvement of health outcomes for patients with COPD through active involvement.
Aims Objectives Theory or Methods
The aim of this literature review was to explore how patient engagement has been used to inform the delivery of equitable care for patients with COPD. A literature search was done on Scopus, PubMed, and Nursing and Allied Health, followed by title, abstract, and full-text screening. 25 articles were selected for data extraction.
Highlights or Results or Key Findings
The literature demonstrates that socioeconomic and environmental inequities such as increased exposure to environmental toxins and inadequate access to housing are significant contributors to inequitable care for patients with COPD. Patients who live in areas with increased exposure to environmental toxins and have inadequate access to housing are more likely to have a lower income, which leads to inequities in accessing healthcare. In addition, the risk of being diagnosed with COPD is the highest in occupations where most workers have low income, leading to various disparities in care. Patient engagement optimizes condition management and is desired by some patients. While health equity strategies should involve all individuals who are affected by inequities when developing health interventions. Furthermore, approaches should consider whether patients are equal in the case of research decision making. Improving collaborative capacity is needed to ensure that patients with COPD receive the best care possible.
Conclusions
Healthcare resources and tools that support these patients must be provided to individuals with low SES because they face the most disparities regarding health outcomes. Furthermore, it is important to decipher how to provide care to patients in a way that is meaningful to them through using patient engagement.
Implications for applicability/transferability sustainability and limitations
Care plans should actively include patients, while patient perspectives from various social backgrounds should be explored to deliver effective care. This can be done through promoting active care involvement. Finally, approaches to care should not only focus on self-management, but consider the social factors that influence health.