Engaging Patients: Interviews With Patients, Providers, And Communities Across The Country

As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reaches deeper into the daily lives of Americans, one impact is sure to hit home. The ACA encourages patients and providers to become more active partners in making the crucial strategic decisions over improving individual health. Three new videos, produced in partnership with Health Affairs and the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), show how people all over the United States are learning that involving patients – teaching them, soliciting their input, and communicating with family-members and other caregivers right from the start – can result in better, more efficient health care outcomes. There is growing evidence that patients, once engaged, take better care of themselves. They’re more likely to monitor their own health, take their medicines, and communicate more thoroughly with their care providers. They have a better understanding of the treatment strategy. And they are more likely to participate in clinical studies or other research to find better, more efficient treatments. I was privileged to report on and host these videos on the new era of patient engagement. I interviewed nearly two dozen people across the country – patients, doctors, researchers, care-providers, academics and community activists – all of whom have inspiring stories to tell about the benefits of focusing on patient centered outcomes. Time constraints meant that many of their important points landed on the cutting-room floor during th...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: All Categories Personal Experience Primary Care Quality Source Type: blogs