Patient partnerships, equality and the ‘long tail’ of the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction Patient partnerships are vitally important in improving healthcare delivery, however they are underutilised for this purpose. Methods Here, I discuss how the COVID‐19 pandemic has presented challenges for health equity but has also presented unique opportunities for enhancing the role of the service user in driving evidence generation, tackling inequality and service design. Results The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated inequality in healthcare. Existing legislation and literature on patient involvement and inequality is largely limited in scope. However, co‐production of evidence with service users and carers, as well as incorporating advocacy and involving these groups in service design, all have significant potential to achieve meaningful integration of their views and preferences in healthcare. Conclusion There is significant scope to move beyond ‘lip service’ in patient involvement within healthcare. The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of, as well as the potential for, substantive participation of patients and the public in healthcare design and delivery.