Patient empowerment- an active approach to treatment

To empower someone is to make them feel strong and confident. As healthcare practitioners, it is part of our role to help our patients feel empowered as we know that patient empowerment leads to better clinical outcomes. 

Patients and healthcare professionals should work together to set goals, discuss priorities and communicate openly so that realistic treatment plans can be created. Treatment (in this article) is not limited to hands-on techniques, it also encompasses physical rehabilitation, referrals, lifestyle modifications and advice.

What does an active approach to treatment entail?

1. Working together to set realistic goals 

When setting targets and timelines it is important that both the patient and practitioner are on the same page. During a consultation the patient’s current priorities, commitments and drivers for change should be discussed. With this knowledge the practitioner can create appropriate goals. 

2. Prioritising and implementing a plan

Now that we have established realistic goals, the practitioner will be able to create a treatment plan that meets these targets. There are always lots of ways to structure a treatment plan but time and energy are finite resources. Thus we want to work efficiently towards the goals keeping the patient’s priorities, commitments and motivation in mind. After structuring a plan, the practitioner will prioritise the action points, providing the patient with 1-3 achievable steps. 

The ‘best’ treatment plan is a sustainable plan that the patient will actually complete.

3. Re-evaluating progress and pivoting

Once a plan of action is set into motion we need to be open to change. Perhaps an important piece of information wasn’t initially discussed or circumstances have changed. It is natural to want to immediately abandon the treatment plan when it doesn’t appear to be working. Prior to quitting, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your practitioner as changes can always be made.

4. Avoiding overwhelm & remaining committed

As momentum gathers and distractions accumulate, we find there is frequently a period of refocusing. Patients may lose sight of their long term goals, forget the progress they have made and start to venture off course. Taking ownership and adding a personal flair to one’s treatment plan is important but please discuss this with your practitioner so you are both on the same page. 

EG/ “____ down the road had a sore ____ and they found that ____ was helpful” Wonderful! Let’s talk about what you have learnt from them, what mechanisms are at play and how it may or may not be appropriate for you.  

5. Accountability and encouragement 

We want to feel and notice positive changes in ourselves as committing to a treatment plan requires work and sacrifice. An external person noticing our progress is helpful in building our own awareness. We have found that patients are quick to forget their initial discomfort and dysfunction. However, when the practitioner points out quantitative and qualitative markers of improvement patients are then able to notice their own progress. 

The best patient outcomes are found when patients get actively involved in their treatment. So work in collaboration with your practitioner to problem solve set backs and they will help keep you on track towards your goals.