How Patient Empowerment is Transforming Healthcare

Feeling out of control when it comes to your health?

You’re not alone. Millions of people feel the same way. Healthcare, on the other hand, is changing rapidly, and we have access to the knowledge and digital tools to help patients regain control of their health.

The aim is to assist you in managing your health more effectively so you can feel better sooner.

Imagine tracking your symptoms through remote tools, connecting with others going through similar experiences, accessing your medical records from anywhere in the world, and getting personalized advice from a team of experts – all from the comfort of your own home.

With patient empowerment technologies, that’s precisely what you can expect.

Now you can get the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your health – whenever and wherever you want. You’ll have everything you need to make informed decisions about your health – and take back control.

Healthcare begins with personal health care. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Patient Empowerment has Never Been Stronger

It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is under a lot of strain. With rising costs and an aging population, the current system is simply not sustainable.

Automation in healthcare requires a digital ecosystem infrastructure. Hospitals are putting significant resources into this space to provide more meaningful and efficient care.

One way to ease the burden on the healthcare system is to empower patients to take control of their own health. Patient engagement feeds the process through which people gain greater control.

By developing digital technologies to support and educate patients, we can help them make better decisions about their health, leading to improved outcomes.

What Is Patient Empowerment? 

Patient empowerment is all about giving patients the information and support they need to improve their overall health. This includes providing education on healthy lifestyle choices, developing processes and treatments to improve outcomes, and offering access to resources that can help patients make informed decisions about their health.

What are the challenges?

The two biggest challenges are costs and access.

The costs of healthcare are rising rapidly, and patients are often struggling to pay for the care they need. In addition, many patients don’t have access to the resources they need to make informed decisions about their health. They may not even have a regular doctor.

Cost hasn’t escaped the minds of executives running companies either, who 87% surveyed, said they believed the cost of health benefits will become unsustainable over the next 5-10 years.

Let’s face it: If businesses can’t afford to give benefits, the pressure will be on individuals, which will force empowerment whether people like it or not.

Many people, especially those in rural and underserved areas do not have quality healthcare access. Health becomes a burden instead of being at the forefront of one’s thoughts. Furthermore, screenings and preventions become hard to obtain because of lack qualified healthcare professionals in timely manner.

This is where patient empowerment comes in. By providing patients with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health, we can help them get the care they need and improve.

Why Is Patient Empowerment Important? 

There are a few reasons why patient empowerment is so important.

First, it helps patients feel more in control of their health. When we feel like we’re in control of our health, we’re more likely to make positive changes that can lead to better outcomes.

Second, patient empowerment can help lessen the burden on the healthcare system by making it easier for patients to take care of themselves.

Finally, when patients are empowered to make decisions about their health, they’re more likely to trust the process and the care they’re receiving. 

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits of patient empowerment, including:

• Improved patient satisfaction
• Increased adherence to treatment plans
• Improved health outcomes
• Reduced costs
• Improved Patient Satisfaction 

How Can I Empower Myself? 

There are a few different ways you can empower yourself when it comes to your health.

Step One: Get Informed

The first step is simple but important: get informed! When it comes to your health, knowledge is power. Educate yourself on your current state of health and learn about any underlying condition or illnesses.

The more you know about your health, the better equipped you’ll be to make quality decision making about your care. There are lots of great resources out there to help you learn more about your health. Yes, misinformation is a risk, but NO information is a bigger risk.

When faced with a health challenge, the only salvation is to get the information you need to persevere to gain greater control over decisions. I have been persevering my whole life when it comes to my health, which is why I’m such an advocate to finding the correct information.

Another great way to get informed is by talking to your healthcare providers. Your doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are a wealth of knowledge and they want to help you!

So don’t be afraid to ask questions at your next appointment. Come prepared with your own information to find a healthcare partner that you can work with.

Step Two: Take Action 

Now that you’ve armed yourself with knowledge, it’s time to take action! This could mean making some lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier or exercising more regularly. It could also mean taking your medication as prescribed or following up with your doctor after a procedure. Whatever it is, taking action is key to improving your overall health.

Why is it that people often times don’t take action even when they know they should? We’ve heard all of this before, right? There are usually some health-related pain points getting in the way. Examples include:

– confusion

– helplessness

– hopelessness

– shame

– judgment

Continuing on, other less direct things can also influence this such as stress or expectations set by those around us. Finally, one of the most common reasons is fear.

It’s better to take action and figure things out along the way than it is to do nothing and have bad health as a result.

And don’t forget, sometimes the best action you can take is no action at all. That’s right, sometimes the best thing you can do for your health is nothing at all!

Taking a break from work or from screens (I’m looking at you, social media!), getting enough sleep, and spending time with loved ones are all critical for maintaining good physical and mental health. So make sure to schedule some “me time” into your busy life! 

Step Three: Advocate for Yourself 

The final step in my simple three-step process is advocating for yourself. This means being an active participant in your own healthcare. What does that look like?

Well, it could mean asking for a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with a diagnosis or treatment plan. It could also mean speaking up if you feel like something isn’t right or if you have concerns about a medications side effects. Remember, you are the expert on YOU, so make sure your voice is heard loud and clear when it comes to your healthcare! 

Conclusion

Patient empowerment is a crucial part of transforming healthcare. By developing technologies that support and educate patients, we can help them make better decisions about their health, leading to improved outcomes for everyone involved.

If you’re looking for ways to take control of your health, remember to educate yourself on your condition, find providers you trust who will listen to your concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!