Why Being an Empowered Patient is Important
I define the empowered patient as someone who knows what they want from their medical team and expects a team approach to their healthcare. The E patient expects to be listened to when presenting data and to have questions answered. The goal is to close the gap between patient and medical provider to enhance quality of care. The E patient voice is an important part in the care equation. It is a voice that understand the medical profession is overwhelmed, respects time constraints and is cognizant of the myriad of on going changes in medicine and standards of care yet demands to be heard and listened to.
My message today is be fearless and use your voice to have a list of questions at each visit, to have researched options, to question medications, to ask for more information on a procedure, to question outcomes and to follow up via phone, or email with the provider. By being more involved in your care, you are protecting yourself, addressing safety issues, and feeling secure in treatment and care.
Thanks to the many pioneers who have fought to get the healthcare needed and create the empowered patient movement. Here is an examples of two wonderful E pateint advocates.
Trisha Torrey, http://www.everypatientsadvocate.com/
Dave deBronkart www.epatientdave.com
There are many more people who have blazed the path.
Be inspired by their work and commitment. I know I am.
Posted by HealthCare Whisperer at 3/8/2010 11:41 AM 
Categories: E -patient, medical team, provider, advocate
Tags: E- patient Dave de Bronkart Trisha Torrey
Categories: E -patient, medical team, provider, advocate
Tags: E- patient Dave de Bronkart Trisha Torrey
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