The European Standard EN 17398:2020 on Patient Involvement in Health Care – a Fairclough-Inspired Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

The concept of ‘patient involvement’ is highlighted in healthcare. However, hindrances can prevent its implementation. This article explored how ‘patient involvement’ is understood and on what ideas this understanding is based through a critical textual analysis of the European document on patient involvement in health systems using a Fairclough-inspired critical discourse analysis. The findings showed that the document arose from a social discourse based on a mix of a neoliberal ideology, with a marketisation of care focusing on a cost-effective and evidence-based logic of care, and a humanistic ideology of patient involvement. It had the form of a normative, consensus-based standard, supported by European organisations. The document incorporated a visionary, well-intentioned abstract guide to promote patient involvement across European care contexts, however without addressing hindrances nor differences across the contexts in which it ought to be implemented. It raises questions about its usability, inviting further research into empirical applications.