Putting the patient in the driver's seat - A new era of patient-centred healthcare

What is patient-centred care?

Patient-centred care is about actively including patients in the decision-making processes around their own care. When patients are involved, it increases their trust in the system, improves their health outcomes and reduces the risk of errors. It’s no longer enough to simply listen to patients; it’s about making them co-creators of their own care.

Research shows that patient involvement not only improves satisfaction, but also leads to more accurate diagnoses and more personalised treatment pathways. When patients feel like an active part of their treatment plan, they become more engaged and responsible, ultimately improving their health.

The role of technology in patient engagement

Technological developments have played a key role in enabling patients to take control of their own health. With access to patient portals, health apps and telemedicine, it has become easier than ever for patients to monitor their health and communicate directly with healthcare professionals.

• • Patient portals provide access to medical records, test results and the ability to communicate directly with doctors and nurses.
  • Health apps help patients keep track of medication, symptoms and treatment plans – directly from their smartphone.
  • Telemedicine enables patients to receive healthcare advice and treatment without having to physically attend appointments, saving time and resources.

These technological advancements not only reduce the distance between patients and healthcare providers, but they also empower patients to take control and make their treatment more personalised.

Healthcare professionals’ perspective on patient engagement

From a healthcare professional’s perspective, patient engagement requires both time and a change in approach to care. Many professionals point out that patient-centred care requires deeper communication and a greater willingness to listen to patients’ needs and concerns.

One doctor shared his experience of how patient involvement has changed practice: ‘When patients have more insight into their own care and are involved in decisions, we see fewer errors and a higher level of satisfaction.’ But this change doesn’t come without challenges, including a lack of time and resources to implement a fully patient-centred approach.

Patients’ experiences

Patient feedback is an invaluable part of the process of creating patient-centred healthcare. Many patients report that they feel more confident when they have access to their medical records and can ask questions directly through digital platforms. One patient said: ‘Being able to see my own test results and communicate with my doctor through a portal gave me a sense of control and reduced my uncertainty.’

However, several patients also mentioned challenges such as the complexity of some technological tools and lack of clarity in communication from healthcare professionals.

Barriers and future opportunities

While there are great benefits to putting patients in the driver’s seat, there are still several barriers that stand in the way. Lack of knowledge about the use of technology, lack of time on the part of healthcare professionals and resistance to change were often cited as the biggest challenges to patient engagement.

Looking ahead, technology will continue to play a central role. With the rise of artificial intelligence, wearables and even more advanced patient portals, patient engagement will take on even more facets. It’s not just about giving patients access to information, but also giving them the tools to act on it.

Conclusion

Putting patients in the driver’s seat is not just a trend; it’s a necessary development in healthcare. By putting patients first and using technology as an integral part of care, we are creating a system that is more efficient, personalised and sustainable. Healthcare is moving towards a future where patients’ voices are not only heard, but become central in shaping the future of healthcare.

Patient-centred healthcare is a journey – and everyone, from patients to professionals, has an important role to play in this transformation.