Patient Power Infographic

Nothing about me without me

An empowered activated patient:

• Understands their health condition and its effect on their body.
  
• Feels able to participate in decision-making with their healthcare professionals
  
• Feels able to make informed choices about treatment.
  
• Understands the need to make necessary changes to their lifestyle for managing their condition.
  
• Is able to challenge and ask questions of the healthcare professionals providing their care.
  
• Takes responsibility for their health and actively seeks care only when necessary
  
• Actively seeks out, evaluates and makes use of information.
  

8 Ways to Empower Patients

1. Begin with empathy: openly acknowledge their emotional states, especially when they are difficult. Encourage patients to ask questions.
   
2. Knowledge is power – enable access to medical records, patient portals. Provide a list of trusted, authoritative online information portals.
   
3. Remind patients that they are at the centre of their own healthcare: coach them to be engaged consumers rather than passive recipients, and find power in the role. Arriving at appointments armed with information such as a list of all current medications, supplements, and regimens, as well as an up-to-date history of previous visits and pro cedures can help them feel in control.
   
4. Make shared decision-making the easy choice for clinicians
   
5. Groups of patients are a powerful asset
   
6. L isten to what patients have to say
   
7. Encourage patients to engage with social media: Find out what channels are available where you work and personally invite your patients to participate. Social media can also be a powerful way for patients to connect with others in similar situations.
   
8. Actively welcome and encourage patient empowerment: If you praise them for their efforts and actively listen to their opinions and concerns, you’re likely to find them willing and enthusiastic partners in treatment going forward .