Factors in Patient Empowerment: A Survey of an Online Patient Research Network.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Providers and healthcare organizations have begun recognizing the importance of patient empowerment as a driver of patient-centered care. Unfortunately, most studies have investigated empowerment with single diseases. Identifying factors of empowerment across conditions and populations would enable a greater understanding of this construct.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to understand empowerment in relation to health information-seeking, interactions with providers and peers, and healthcare access in chronic disease patients. This study also sought to identify key empowerment factors and their association with patient characteristics.

Methods

Participants were recruited through PatientsLikeMe, an online research platform where patients share their

SUBMITTER: Chiauzzi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5107186 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature