There are a lot of terms that are often used interchangeably to describe aspects of this area of work including involvement, participation, and engagement. It is useful to differentiate between the involvement of individuals and the involvement of patients and the public more widely. Individual involvement refers to people being actively involved in decisions and having greater control over their own health and care, or the care of others if they are a carer. Patient and public involvement is often used to refer to activities that involve people at a collective level, such as in the design, planning and delivery of health and care services. See also: patient experience. 

Back to Glossary Index Page