The role of the patient: from spectator to active player in the path of personal prevention and healthcare

Abstract

The scientific, technological, cultural, and social transformations occurred during the last two decades
have pushed the role of patients beyond a paternalistic relationship with the doctor. With the explosion
of digital and new information tools available to all, and a growing consumerist view of healthcare
service delivery, patients have developed a new vision of themselves in their care pathways. Expertise is
increasingly shared and care models are shifting the patient to the centre, allowing a two-way information
flow where both patient experience and scientific or medical information have the same value to reach
the final outcome. The creation of “expert patient” positions and the involvement of patient interest
groups into scientific research and large-scale real-world-evidence projects are further consolidating
the involvement of patients into the healthcare paradigm. In this scenario, rethinking and designing
interdisciplinary clinical and operational work will be crucial for a well-coordinated management in
which patients and their caregivers are an active part of the process.