Researchers, trainees and clinicians doing the work of patient engagement and family engagement would benefit from opportunities to assess how conversations went with lived experience partners on your team.
Think of it as your “check engine light”. It’s a designed mechanism to ensure you check in. Cars don’t just have them as a decoration.
Some ways to assess your work beyond the standard surveys are:
a) A self-reflection journal to learn from pivotal moments in conversations.
b) Create open spaces for receptive feedback. Reflect on how to react when feedback is uncomfortable so you know how to respond in a supportive and constructive manner.
c) Consider developing a formal or informal Community of Practice to build skills and find support.
d) Develop some guiding questions for yourself as an opportunity to assess your progress.
Checking in and assessing your progress is in and of itself a “practice” that is built into your work.
What sort of check engine light have you designed for your practice?