Sharing power: Open Space as a technique to identify what matters to people in the context of a collaborative research programme

2012 Conference

Abstract:
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership and Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for Northwest London facilitates the involvement of patients in evidence based quality improvement. We observe that when patients are involved the balance of power generally lies with professionals. We tested Open Space as a specific technique on two occasions to understand if there are better ways to access different sources of knowledge and experience and to share power.

We hope people will learn about the technique including the necessary planning and preparation required and the conditions that need to be created to foster trust and experimentation. We also wish to share what worked well and what we would do differently and the impact of both events in terms of what happened afterwards and how this is informing our approach to patient and public involvement.