Public Health, Occupational Health and Epidemiology Conference

Patient empowerment promotes a patient-focused model that would equip the individual with a set amount of knowledge, skills, and confidence. The participant could be more active in participating in their own care through health literacy, shared decision-making, and self-management. This would reflect on a stronger provider-patient relationship. An empowered patient, therefore, makes informed choices, is proactive in preventive care, and effectively manages chronic conditions.

Health literacy is a cornerstone for patient activation. It stands as the enabling factor because upon gaining basic information about health, people are assisted in making informed decisions. Public health initiatives promote health literacy through education programs that enable patients to read and understand medical terms; recognize risks to health and engage in appropriate life-changing measures for wellness. This provides the patient with more opportunity to ask questions and become more actively involved with providers of healthcare.

Another crucial tenet of patient empowerment is that of shared decision-making. This is a concept where the patients are equally involved in determining the choices of treatment. Decision-making does respect the preferences, values, and goals of the patients; thus, the different decisions concerning healthcare go in line with their needs. Working together in such a way with providers in the settings of care gives the patients a feeling of autonomy and control and contributes to greater satisfaction and adherence to the plan.

Support skills in self-management are essential for chronic condition patients. Education on the management of diseases, drug compliance, and monitoring of symptoms enables the patient to be actively involved in their health management outside the medical clinic. Public health provides programs including workshops, support groups, as well as digital tools, to facilitate self-management and build confidence among patients in their skills.

It promotes an environment of valued, informed patients, who are empowered to advocate for their needs regarding their own health. Public health efforts to enhance health literacy, shared decision-making, and self-management can further improve the patient-provider relationship, which forms the basis of a culture of active, informed care.