Mid Sweden University

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the impact on culture (attitudes, values and assumptions) among both healthcare professionals, as well as users, when involving users for improving quality in healthcare.

Method

The paper is based on an extensive, narrative literature review, covering 3786 papers.

Findings

The results indicate that there is currently limited research focusing on the impact of user involvement in quality improvement processes regarding professionals’ and users´ attitudes, values and/or assumptions. The articles identified during the study mentions situations and things which are said, during the process of development, and which can be interpreted as change in the culture. Although few articles specifically draw conclusions on user involvement as a “tool” for cultural change, the authors interpret several findings which strengthens that theory.

Research limitations

Research published in other databases could have been missed. The authors have tried to avoid this by using a snowball method reading references in identified articles.

Practical implications

Future research is needed to see if involvement activities in quality improvement processes can affect attitudes, values and assumptions in a positive way.

Originality

The review provides a platform for both future research and the development of current practice within the area. There has been literature reviews showing obstacles and enablers when using patients, users and relatives in quality improvement work, but few which investigates cultural change.