A Reconceptualization of the Negative Self-Stereotyping of the Patient-Partner to the Introduction of the Patient Perspective Consultant.

ABSTRACT

The label of "patient-partner" is widely used when referring to a person living with a specific health condition that participates in research teams or consults on clinical practice guidelines. However, being a patient-partner says nothing about one's potential role outside a biomedical context. Labeling a person as such can be detrimental to their perception of themselves. The intention of this paper is to provide a philosophical conceptual framework to understand the complexities and consequences of labeling people as patients outside of direct healthcare. A philosophical hermeneutic approach was used to explore how labeling and self-stereotyping can affect the patient-partner, leading to the possible erosion of their personhood. The authors suggest that research teams instead employ the more accurate and dignified term, "patient perspective consultant." Accurate titles allow team members to relate to each other, leaving room for everyone to contribute meaningfully. The shift from patient-partner to patient perspective consultant does not change the nature of the role. It clarifies the context through increased accuracy, and adds dignity and purpose.