Informed, networked, equals: patients in the 21st century

Each century has been marked by specific developments and trends in the field of healthcare. One particularly interesting and relatively recent phenomenon is the changing role of patients. Today, thanks to their research on the Internet or the use of health applications (Mobile Health), patients are better informed than ever about health issues and, above all, about their own state of health. This has repercussions on medical consultations, changing the conditions of communication and the hierarchy between doctors and patients.

Socio-cultural and medical aspects of patients 2.0

Modern medicine and its professionalisation began in the 19th century. The second half of the 20th century saw revolutionary scientific advances. We can speak of an era of doctors and researchers. At the same time, the healthcare system was gradually organised on a large scale and democratised.

The 21st century brings a new and exciting development with the changing role of patients, reinforcing the aspiration for a democratic healthcare system. Patients are now demanding transparent information and want to have a say in their treatment. This attitude is largely due to ubiquitous access to ‘on-demand’ sources of information such as the Internet. Today, patients can form their own opinions about their disease and the different treatment options available. What’s more, patients are increasingly exchanging views with other sufferers via online forums.

‘Patients, once fearful and ignorant, who blindly trusted their doctor, are gradually becoming partners, taking joint decisions with the doctor.’

Challenges for medical practices

It’s likely that you’ve already encountered ‘e-patients’ in your practice, i.e. patients who find out about their symptoms and diagnoses on the Internet. A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation in Germany revealed that 58% of patients seek information on the Internet before a medical consultation, and 62% afterwards. However, 30% of doctors find this personal initiative at least partly annoying. Doctors must therefore rise to the challenge of welcoming and integrating informed patients into the treatment process.

Reassuring patients and building trust

Well-informed patients who have already made up their minds can be a real challenge for doctors’ practices. Some doctors may feel that their competence is being questioned. It may be tempting to advise patients to avoid ‘googling’ their symptoms, but this advice is generally not very helpful. It is better to understand why patients are looking for information on the internet. In general, this is a strategy for managing the anxiety associated with uncertainty about a (suspected) disease. Doctors need to adopt transparent communication to establish a long-term relationship of trust.

Between asking questions and explaining

The history-taking interview is particularly crucial for involving informed patients in the therapeutic process. Occasionally, a patient may try to steer the doctor towards a particular diagnostic conclusion. Doctors need to find a happy medium: asking all the key questions about symptoms, even if the patient considers them unimportant because they think they already know what’s wrong with them. On the other hand, it is also essential for the doctor to show the patient that he or she appreciates their active involvement and desire to find out more.

The Swiss Medical Journal recommends:

‘For example, the doctor can ask what the patient has already learned about the disease and evaluate this knowledge. Or they could give patients the responsibility of entering their test results in a table, thus involving them directly in monitoring their health.

Informed patients: an asset for the medical practice

Although some doctors see informed patients via Google as a challenge, it is important to look at this new trend. On the one hand, the number of informed patients will continue to grow. On the other hand, these patients can represent real added value for the medical practice. Informed patients are often committed and motivated. If doctors succeed in welcoming them with their fears and questions, they will establish a genuine relationship of trust and find in them partners on whom they can rely for therapeutic follow-up!