Participatory medicine: A high-tech alliance with patients

As physicians experience mounting pressure to contain costs and improve outcomes while their patient loads increase, many are finding that patients can be the most cost-effective and valuable tools to help them do their jobs. The concept of participatory medicine, where patients take a more active role in their care, can enhance the physician-patient relationship and allow physicians and patients to bring their own expertise and knowledge to the table to produce the best outcomes.

At its most basic level, participatory medicine means shared decision-making and deep patient engagement. Because of the rise in technology use -- as well as an increase in out-of-pocket health care expenses -- this has gone well beyond the traditional tell-me-where-it-hurts conversation between patient and doctor in the exam room. The business benefits of a participatory approach, especially as it relates to technology, have not been well documented. But proponents say adopting a participatory model of care can increase patient satisfaction, save time, reduce costs and improve care. Experts say the model of care also could lower liability risks for physicians. And patients who have a better understanding of their illnesses are likely to be healthier. Technology such as social networking sites, e-mail, personal health records, home monitoring devices and patient portals have made communication between patient and doctor not only more convenient but also more meaningful.