Patient empowerment

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22278387

Intern Emerg Med. 2012 Jan 26. [Epub ahead of print]
Patient empowerment as a component of health system reforms: rights, benefits and vested interests.
Colombo C, Moja L, Gonzalez-Lorenzo M, Liberati A, Mosconi P.
Source
Laboratory for Medical Research and Consumer Involvement, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy.

Abstract
Different strategies have been developed across countries to foster citizens' and patients' involvement, from health policies to patients' active participation in decisions regarding their health. The spectrum varies from systems where patients lead the reform of health care services, to others where a paternalistic approach still limits patients' autonomy in decision-making. This paper describes: (1) different interventions for involving patients; (2) experiences to promote consumer evidence-based advocacy; and (3) barriers to consumer involvement in health system reforms, including vested interests in patients' associations. Citizens' involvement in health systems can vary substantially, but is gaining increasing weight.