The 21st Century Patient

Welcome to my blog:  21^st Century Patients.

I hope to provoke critical thinking, and some discussion, on what it means to be a patient today. The culture of patient care is changing from “follow the rules as we prescribe them” to one that reflects the rapid pace of increasing knowledge that demands we think and act as partners with patients and families. This partnership is the basis of shared decision-making for the patient’s plan of care.

An Outdated Approach

We will explore the implications (and dangers) of holding on to the outdated idea that a “good patient” takes everything at face value, never questions, and does not cause any trouble. Some died as a result!

Who This Effects

If you can identify with one or more of these groups, my posts are intended for you:

• Patients & Families
• Clinicians
• Employers

Each post will test our thinking about what it means to be a patient, and how we can work together to support the coming of age of 21^st Century Patients.

Lisa Sams MSN, RNC