Developing catalyst films of health experiences: an analysis of a robust multi-stakeholder involvement journey

Abstract

Plain English Summary Involving patients in care improvement efforts is valuable for improving the quality and safety of health care services because patients offer unique insights and are directly impacted by the system. Involving patients in these efforts can also inform better patient and family experiences. Studies have shown that using video interviews highlighting good and bad patient experiences in healthcare is one of the promising way to include a wider range of patient narratives and feedback in care improvement. Videos used in these situations are now called catalyst films, formerly known as trigger films. This paper describes how catalyst films are similar to and distinct from other film products used in research and improvement projects. It examines a process for equitably engaging a team of many different stakeholders—patients, providers, and researchers—to select video excerpts from existing research-based patient experience interviews to create catalyst films. It describes methods used to ensure robust input from all team members, so that all perspectives influence the catalyst films. The study concluded that patient and public involvement had significant impact on both the research process and the final products created. Our findings can equip those making or selecting films for use in improving health and social care to ensure films are patient informed. The paper concludes by offering limitations and recommendations for future research to advance the fields of patient and public involvement and quality improvement.

Keywords

• Patient and public involvement
• Co-design
• Catalyst film
• Trigger film
• DIPEx methodology
• Quality improvement