The involvement of gynaecological patients in the development of a clinical guideline for resumption of (work) activities in the Netherlands

Context: Most initiatives for patient involvement in guideline development have been carried out for chronic diseases. The involvement of patients with incidental and non-threatening diseases is more complicated. Little knowledge is available on how these patient groups can successfully be involved in guideline development. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the involvement of gynaecological patients in the guideline development for resumption of (work) activities after surgery. Design: At three different stages patients were involved in the process: (i) three focus group discussions (FGDs) were organized, (ii) patients were involved for the instruction video, and (iii) patients tested the patient version of the clinical guideline. To assess the effectiveness, an evaluation framework was used. The guideline development process was divided into two parallel trajectories in which patients and professionals were consulted separately. Patients were primarily consulted for the development of the patient version, although their input also influenced the recommendations for resumption of (work) activities after surgery. Professionals were mainly involved in the development of the recommendations of the clinical guideline. Discussion and conclusions: The involvement of gynaecological patients in the guideline development for resumption of (work) activities after surgery was successful in many respects. Consultation of individual patients by means of FGDs and with regular feedback moments has been rather effective for a guideline development process related to an incidental, non-threatening disease for which there is no patient organization. Patients' input contributed to applicability of the clinical guideline in daily practice. Increased patient involvement could be achieved by integration of the two parallel trajectories with additional participatory activities, such as a dialogue meeting.