The Making of an Empowered Patient
I talk to people about being an empowered patient. I tell them it's about being in control of your healthcare and partnering with the medical profession to get what you need. I think the key is understanding the role of each of the players in the game of healthcare and keeping your expectations realistic of what each can provide.
I witnessed a client finally grab on to the idea of being an empowered patient after months of decline, no answers and feeling battered by the system. Here is his story. I was called by a family member when hope was beginning to fade. The situation was complications related to a surgery and repeated trips to the emergency room. This young man was declining physically and becoming depressed. His work and personal relationships were suffering. At this point, the surgeon was the only medical provider involved because of the unresolved surgical complications. When I first met my client in the hospital after another emergency room admission, I saw a young man, sad and exhausted. His life was spiraling out of control and he couldn't see any possibilities. As an advocate, I saw the possibilities immediately. It was clear a new medical perspective was needed. Luckily, that process had begun right before I had been contacted and an appointment was set. He didn't make that appointment because he had to go to the ER again but we went to the ER where the new doctor was associated. This time the reason for his complication was determined, treated and he was sent home.
All should have been good at that point, but his local support was not in place. He saw his surgeon as the main player and expected all answers and follow up to be from him. I knew this was not going to happen because specialists only relate to their area of concern. We went to a follow up appointment with the surgeon who was thorough, patient and kind but it was clear to me, he was not going to provide the continued support now that the issue was identified. My client was near tears and feeling abandoned during the appointment. I saw the moment as a critical turning point. I sat him down and said it was good what happened. Now he can be the driver of his care. Only he knew what he needed now from nutritional, primary care, counseling and local specialty services and support. I was determined to switch this situation to empower him to know he could move forward. He agreed I could begin making other appointments for him.
And then several days later, I received a long email explaining to me how he was going to change his live, stop the spiral, try to make the changes he needed and rebuild his life and relationships. I knew the empowered patient had arrived and there was no turning back. His new mantra is "Let's get the healing started". Since that time, he is feeling better, getting the appointments he needs and enjoying his life.
Posted by HealthCare Whisperer at 4/19/2010 9:00 AM 
Categories: specialist, empowered patient
Tags: provider specialist empowered patient
Categories: specialist, empowered patient
Tags: provider specialist empowered patient
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