Patient Empowerment: The Power of Post-Traumatic Growth

Chronically Empowered

June 9, 2023

Patient Empowerment: The New Trend in Healthcare

There has been a growing focus on patient empowerment in healthcare in recent years. This is the idea that patients should be active participants in their own care rather than passive recipients of treatment. Patient empowerment has many benefits, including improved health outcomes, increased satisfaction with care, and reduced costs.

One of the latest trends in patient empowerment is the focus on post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG is a positive psychological change that can occur after a challenging or traumatic experience. It can include a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life, increased self-reliance, and stronger relationships with others.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that doctors who experienced PTG after the COVID-19 pandemic were likelier to feel empowered to help their patients. They were also more likely to report feeling satisfied with their work and less likely to experience burnout.

This study suggests that PTG can positively impact both patients and doctors. It can help patients to cope with their illness and improve their quality of life. It can also help doctors to be more effective and to provide better care.

Here are a few examples of how PTG can benefit patients:

• A patient who has been diagnosed with cancer may experience PTG as they learn to cope with their illness and treatment. They may develop a stronger sense of self-reliance and a greater appreciation for life.
• A patient who has been injured in an accident may experience PTG as they recover from their injuries and learn to live with their new limitations. They may develop a greater sense of purpose in life and a stronger appreciation for their loved ones.
• A patient who has been struggling with a chronic illness may experience PTG as they learn to manage their condition and live a fulfilling life. They may develop a greater sense of control over their life and a stronger sense of hope.

Here are a few examples of how PTG can benefit doctors:

• A doctor who has lost a patient may experience PTG as they learn to cope with their grief and continue to provide care for other patients. They may develop a stronger sense of empathy for their patients and a greater commitment to their work.
• A doctor who has been working long hours and feeling burned out may experience PTG as they take steps to improve their work-life balance and find new ways to be more effective in their role. They may develop a greater sense of satisfaction with their work and a stronger sense of purpose.
• A doctor who has been struggling with a difficult case may experience PTG as they learn from their experience and become a better doctor. They may develop a greater sense of confidence in their abilities and a greater sense of compassion for their patients.

If you are interested in learning more about PTG, here are a few resources:

• The American Psychological Association?has a website that provides information on PTG.
• The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?has a website that provides information on PTG and resources for trauma survivors.
• The Upside of Stress: Why Hard Times Are Good for You?by Kelly McGonigal is a book that explores the benefits of PTG.

PTG and its Impact on Patients and Patient Care

PTG can have a positive impact on patients in a number of ways. It can help them to:

• Cope with their illness:?PTG can help patients to develop coping mechanisms that help them to deal with the challenges of their illness. This can lead to improved mental and physical health.
• Improve their quality of life:?PTG can help patients to find new meaning and purpose in life, even after a difficult experience. This can lead to improved quality of life and a greater sense of well-being.
• Become more engaged in their care:?PTG can help patients to feel more empowered and in control of their care. This can lead to better communication with their doctors and improved adherence to treatment plans.

PTG can also have a positive impact on patient care. When patients are empowered and engaged in their care, they are more likely to:

• Adhere to treatment plans:?Patients who are more engaged in their care are more likely to follow their doctor's instructions and take their medications as prescribed. This can lead to better health outcomes.
• Provide more accurate information:?Patients who are more empowered are more likely to provide their doctors with accurate information about their symptoms and medical history. This can help doctors to make better diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Be more satisfied with their care:?Patients who are more empowered are more likely to be satisfied with their care. This can lead to increased patient loyalty and a reduced risk of malpractice lawsuits.

Overall, PTG can have a positive impact on both patients and doctors. It can help patients to cope with their illness, improve their quality of life, and become more engaged in their care. It can also help doctors to provide better care and improve patient satisfaction.

Read the full article: https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjhp.12642

Read about the author, Dr. Amrita Sen Mukherjee:

https://menloparkrecruitment.com/dr-amrita-sen-mukherjee-looking-after-your-mental-wellbeing/

I hope this newsletter has given you some insights into patient empowerment. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

The Chronically Empowered Team

Roi Shternin is a writer, speaker, and advocate for patient empowerment. He is the author of the book "What Do Patients Want: a guide to Understand and empower Patients" Growth and the founder of the Patient School and Chronically Empowered. Roi is a passionate advocate for the idea that patients should be active participants in their own care rather than passive treatment recipients. He believes that PTG can help patients to cope with their illness, improve their quality of life, and become more engaged in their care.

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