Question #2

Is there a conflict between empowering patients and honoring the expertise and authority of medical professionals? If so, what are the tradeoffs and how do we find the best balance?

The answer is NO, because health care professionals should welcome empowered and engaged patients to the health care team!

(But, we know this is not what always happens . . . )

Is there a conflict? Patients vs. Providers?• This question implies that the empowered

patient is a threat to the health care professional (HCP), rather than an ally

• And, we don’t think that should be the case • However, in reality there is sometimes

disagreement

Empowered Patient vs. Authority of HCP

• What influences contribute to that conflict and tip the balance of power in the relationship?

Tipping the Balance: Patient Access to Health Information

Proliferation of health information on the Internet and patient reliance on it as scientific findings (both the good and bad information) can be irritating to health care professionals and affects the HCP-patient relationship. (

Journal of Medical Internet Research)

The challenge of sorting the good health information from the bad

Tipping the balance: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Advertising of prescription drugs and impact on HCP – Patient relationship

DTC ads have turned upside down the old relationship when the doctor was god-like in knowledge of health issues and patients were deferential •Some say DTC educates and informs about health conditions and treatments, and encourages dialogue•Others say ads promote inappropriate and overuse of drugs; not balanced on risks and benefits (See these videos analyzing ads)

One study found that nearly 40% of physicians saw the ads as damaging to the efficiency of doctor visits. The effect of the ads on the HCP-Patient relationship was strongly associated with doing what the patient wanted regarding the advertised drug

Balance of Power Information can tip the balance in the HCP-patient relationship

But shouldn’t access to information strengthen the relationship?

Open Notes project – evidence of bringing together the empowered patient and HCP through information

The project found that when patients have ready access to their doctors' visit notes, the vast majority feel more in control of their health

With shared information and collaboration comes true partnership – and, most importantly of all, better health.