Lately I've seen a few people questioning what patient engagement really is and asking if the term is over used. It makes me think about how shallow they must be. Then on LinkedIn I came across a simple quote that is a perfect answer to this question and it comes from Mr. Ben Franklin.
Now, for those of you who don't work with patients, it also applies to physician, employee, co-worker, volunteer, supervisor/leadership, and public engagement.
Defining hackneyed phrases and checking that you're not using the same term to mean different things is not shallow, quite the opposite I'd argue.
That cartoon, is perhaps what you understand by the term "patient engagement" are you sure that's what is meant universally by the term? I'm not and that's why I like to question what is actually meant when people speak of patient engagement, sometimes HCPs just use it (incorrectly IMO but they still do it) as a synonym for the older concept of compliance.
Posted by: TwiceDiabetes | September 25, 2014 at 06:43 PM
I agree that we should always ensure that our definition of a term aligns with the use by others, I just can't think of a better one at the moment and don't see those questioning it offering up alternatives. I also realize that some do throw the term around without truly understanding the essence of patient engagement.
My sharing of the visual and quote was meant to contribute to the process of defining the term and to promote more shared understanding, because I do agree with you! As I think we both know, compliance aligns more with the "Tell me" portion of the quote and we know what happens next. Yes, patients forget (perhaps even on purpose). But, when we involve patients in the process we are more likely to develop that all important shared vision and common goals that leads to better patient outcomes. It is the act of bi-lateral engagement with patients, rather than just telling them, that makes the difference.
Thank you for commenting!
Posted by: Christina Beach Thielst | September 26, 2014 at 04:25 PM