Patient Empowerment: A Year in Review and a Call to Action

As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on the remarkable strides made in patient empowerment and chart a course for further progress in the coming year.

Progress Made

Despite the complexities of healthcare systems and the entrenched nature of some practices, 2023 witnessed significant advancements in patient empowerment:


  • Patient Advocacy Groups Flourish: Organizations like Patient Worthy experienced a surge in membership, providing a supportive community and driving positive change. These groups amplify patient voices and advocate for their rights and well-being.
  • Policy Shifts Uphold Patient Rights: Laws granting patients access to their clinician notes and test results reflect a growing recognition of their right to information and informed decision-making. This transparency empowers patients to take an active role in their care.
  • Patient-Led Research Gains Momentum: Initiatives like the Long COVID Patient Research Collaborative demonstrate the unique insights that patients themselves can bring to research. By participating in studies and sharing their experiences, patients directly inform healthcare advancements.
  • Patient-Centered Models Embraced: A growing number of healthcare providers are adopting patient-centered models, involving patients in care planning and treatment decisions. This collaborative approach fosters shared understanding and improves patient engagement.
  • Patient Education Expanding: Social media platforms and online resources are democratizing healthcare information, empowering patients to learn about their conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies. This knowledge empowers patients to make informed choices.


Challenges Remain

While progress is encouraging, significant challenges persist and require continued attention:


  • Clinician Biases Persist: Patients worldwide report feeling unheard and dismissed in clinical encounters, often due to implicit biases and lack of cultural competency among healthcare providers. This lack of empathy hinders trust and prevents patients from fully participating in their care.
  • Integration of Mental Health Lags: Physical and mental healthcare remain largely siloed, despite the profound impact of mental health on overall well-being. This separation limits holistic treatment and perpetuates stigma associated with mental illness.
  • Limited Patient Input Opportunities: Patients often lack seats at the decision-making tables that shape healthcare policies and guidelines. Their voices are often excluded from critical discussions, limiting the incorporation of patient perspectives into healthcare practices.
  • Clinician Education Gaps on Empowerment: Many healthcare providers lack adequate training on patient empowerment principles, including effective communication, shared decision-making, and cultural competence. This gap impedes their ability to foster patient engagement and collaboration.
  • Access Barriers Disempower Patients: Socioeconomic factors, such as lack of transportation, interpreters, and care navigation services, create significant barriers for patients to access and navigate healthcare systems. This exclusion hinders their ability to participate fully in their care.


Goals for 2024

To accelerate the movement towards patient empowerment, we must collectively strive for the following goals:


  • Inclusion of Patients on Clinical Guidelines and Policy Committees: Empower patients to share their experiences and perspectives on clinical guidelines and policy recommendations, ensuring that their voices are heard and incorporated into healthcare decisions that impact their lives.
  • Establishing Patient-Centered Communication as a Licensure Requirement: Make patient-centered communication a mandatory component of licensure requirements for healthcare providers. This will ensure that all clinicians are equipped with the skills and knowledge to foster effective communication, collaboration, and mutual respect with patients.
  • Funding Research Grants for Patient-Led and Patient-Partnered Studies: Increase funding for research grants that prioritize patient-led and patient-partnered studies. This will amplify patient voices in research and ensure that investigations are designed to address the needs and priorities of those with lived experience.
  • Incorporating Empowerment Training into Medical Education: Incorporate comprehensive training on patient empowerment principles into medical education curricula. This will prepare future healthcare providers to foster patient engagement, shared decision-making, and cultural competence from their first day on the job.
  • Launching Public Campaigns on Patient Rights and Mental Wellness: Launch targeted public campaigns to educate patients about their rights, promote mental wellness, and dispel myths and misconceptions about healthcare. These campaigns will empower patients to advocate for themselves and access the care they need.
  • Expanding Community Health Worker and Navigator Programs: Increase the availability and funding of community health worker and navigator programs. These programs provide essential support and guidance to underserved communities, improving access to healthcare and fostering patient engagement.


The Path Ahead

While progress has been made, the journey towards full patient empowerment is far from over. It requires ongoing collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

On a Personal Note

As we look forward to 2024, I'm committed to continuing my journey towards patient empowerment, and I invite you to join me. The road ahead may not always be easy, but with determination and collaboration, we can create a healthcare system that truly empowers patients to take charge of their health and well-being.

In my own journey, I've faced challenges that have tested my commitment to patient empowerment. I've experienced setbacks and relapses, just like any human being. But through these experiences, I've learned that relapse is not the end of the road; it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and recommit to my goals.

I've also learned that I'm not alone in my struggles. Many patients face similar challenges, and it's important for us to support each other through these difficult times. Together, we can create a community of resilience and hope, where everyone feels empowered to take charge of their health.

I believe that everyone has the power to achieve their best health. With patient empowerment, we can create a healthcare system that supports and empowers patients to reach their full potential. I'm committed to working towards this vision, and I hope you'll join me on this journey.

Further reading:



This article provides an overview of patient empowerment and its benefits, highlighting its role in improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting patient satisfaction.



This article delves deeper into the concept of patient empowerment, explaining its significance in various aspects of healthcare delivery. It also outlines strategies for implementing patient empowerment principles in healthcare settings.



This article explores the intersection of patient empowerment and personalized medicine, highlighting the potential of empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care in an era of increasingly complex medical treatments.

Photo: Omer Hacohen

As a passionate advocate for patient empowerment, I've dedicated my career to fostering a healthcare system that truly empowers patients to take control of their health. Through my work with various organizations, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of patient empowerment, and I'm committed to continuing my efforts to ensure that all patients have the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their best possible health outcomes. While the journey toward full patient empowerment remains challenging, I'm confident that with unwavering dedication and collaboration, we can create a healthcare system that truly embraces the power of patient engagement and shared decision-making. Wanna work with me?