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INTRODUCTION: While the importance of involving patients at various levels of healthcare systems is increasingly acknowledged, their participation in the training of healthcare professionals—particularly nurses—remains under-documented.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to explore patient involvement in the training of nurses within non-university higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (Belgium). The objectives are (i) to describe the forms of patient involvement identified in nursing education programs, and(ii) to understand the conditions that influence this involvement.

METHODOLOGY: This is an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with educators who integrate patients into their teaching practices.

RESULTS: Ten out of the 11 institutions offering nursing programs in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation involve patients in 21 educational initiatives. Interviews with 24 educators revealed that, in most cases, patient involvement remains relatively limited. The modes of collaboration and patient training often rely on the intervention of a third party. Although institutional support is generally present, few financial resources are allocated to this type of teaching. The status of patients and the preparation of both patients and educators for collaboration are rarely formalized.

CONCLUSION: Patient involvement in nursing education largely depends on the personal commitment of individual educators. There is a need for further reflection on the resources and training necessary to support effective collaboration between patients and educators.