"From Stage to Shared Decision-Making”: a theatrical journey to Patient Empowerment
- Kim Nielsen
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Background
From performing on New York City's theatrical stages to navigating the hospital setting as an actor portraying patients for medical programs, my passion has always centred on the audience's experience. Whether its theatergoers, medical students honing their communication skills, or patients seeking to have their voices heard, my goal has remained the same: to foster understanding that not only transports, but transforms.
When my career shifted to medical affairs as an Executive Coach and Facilitator, I found myself revisiting the hospitals where I once acted as patients with various symptoms and diseases. At the time, my aim was to improve medical students' interactions with patients from diverse cultural and communication backgrounds, ultimately shaping them into better physicians.
The Patient Empowerment Program (PEP)
In 2016, I began working with the Patient Empowerment Program (PEP) at NYU Langone Hospital in New York City. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to transform the healthcare experience for patients by empowering them to take control of their health and well-being. The program targeted patients with chronic conditions, providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to manage their health effectively.
Research and Study
I was fortunate to co-author a study titled "Evaluation of a Patient Empowerment Program (PEP): Changing Patient Expectations for Patient-Provider Roles and Communication" for The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM). Although this was some time ago, the work done then remains integral to the ongoing research and efforts to empower patients in their healthcare. It provides them with the confidence to be proactive and confront the "white coat syndrome" that many patients experience.
Focus on Type 2 Diabetes and Shared Decision-Making (SDM)
The study focused on patients with Type 2 diabetes and their ability to participate in shared decision-making (SDM) with healthcare providers (HCPs). The PEP was designed to train patients in SDM, enhancing their communication skills and reshaping their expectations in interactions with HCPs.
Challenges in SDM
Studies have shown that patients who actively engage in their healthcare and participate in SDM are more likely to achieve their management goals and adhere to treatment plans. However, many patients feel unable to participate in SDM due to time constraints during office visits, unclear roles, and imbalances in knowledge and power between patients and HCPs. The PEP addressed these challenges by training patients to take an active role in SDM and demonstrating effective patient-HCP relationships.
"Studies have shown that patients who actively engage in their healthcare and participate in shared decision-making are more likely to achieve their management goals and adhere to treatment plans."
Impact of the PEP
The study found that the PEP significantly impacted patients' expectations for communication with their HCPs. By participating in the program, patients felt more empowered to engage in SDM and better equipped to navigate their healthcare journeys. The findings underscore the importance of patient empowerment programs in fostering effective communication and collaboration between patients and healthcare providers.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The journey with the Patient Empowerment Program was transformative, not just for the patients but for everyone involved. Witnessing patients take charge of their health, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers, and overcome the barriers that once held them back has been incredibly rewarding. This program has shown that when patients are empowered, they become active participants in their healthcare, leading to better outcomes and a more collaborative healthcare environment. As we continue to innovate and expand these programs, the future of healthcare looks brighter. Empowered patients are the cornerstone of a more effective, compassionate, and patient-centred healthcare system. Together, we can build a future where every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered to take control of their health.
"When patients are empowered, they become active participants in their healthcare, leading to better outcomes and a more collaborative healthcare environment."
Further reading
Nielsen, K. “Evaluation of a Patient Empowerment Program (PEP): Changing Patient Expectations for Patient-Provider Roles and Communication,” The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM)
Author information
Kim Nielsen CPCC, PCC
Creative Coaching and Actorvention LLC
Founder, Executive Coach and Facilitator
718-809-5087
Kim, what I found particularly interesting about this article was the different language you use, perhaps because you come from a different background to some others in this field. Thank you!
I sometimes flinch at the use of 'literacy' and 'education' as I worry that this subconsciously removes the onus from the 'experts' to be clear and provide accessible information, and puts the blame onto the patient for not having expert knowledge, potentially reinforcing an inappropriate dominance. Let's also empower 'experts' to communicate clearly and accessibly, so that patients can be enabled to participate in shared decision-making :)