Title Patient Involvement in the Encounter between General Practice and Patients with Chronic Diseases – A Scoping Review

Background: Globally, there is increasing interest in patient involvement in healthcare. Research has shown improved health outcomes when patients are involved in managing their own health conditions and when their individual needs are considered. The aim of this scoping review was to map the existing research regarding chronic disease patients’ involvement in their encounters with general practice, with a specific focus on patients with Type 2 diabetes (TD2) or (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Studies of any design, date, and language reporting the involvement of adult patients with T2D or COPD were included. A systematic search was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psycinfo Scopus, and EMBASE. All databases were searched from August 2020 until October 2020. Data were systematically charted by the following study characteristics: Bibliographic aims; study aims; setting; area of interest; results; conclusion. Results: 19 studies were included and published between 2001 and 2020 and conducted qualitative methods, survey, or mixed methods. Three and 17 studies contained knowledge on the involvement of patients with COPD and TD2, respectively. The patients reported the importance of being more involved in treatment discussions during consultations as well as a friendly environment. A good relationship and relational continuity make it easier for patients to be more involved in treatment decisions. The general practitioners(GP) mentioned their high work load, long-standing relationships, knowledge about the patients, and prepared patients as factors influencing their ability to involve patients in treatment discussions. Conclusion: The existing knowledge within patient involvement in general practice clearly indicates that focus and action must be directed towards research exploring the perspectives of patients with COPD on their involvement in general practice.