ePatient: Empowering Digital Health Consumers Through Connectivity and Engagement
“ePatient” is not a widely used term in China, yet it is associated with over 100 million search results on Google abroad. So, what exactly is an ePatient? Why is there such a vast amount of information about it, and how does it differ from the traditional concept of a “patient”?
What is an “e-patient”?
e-patient, also known abroad as an “Internet patient,” “tech-savvy patient,” or “virtual patient,” is generally translated in China as “electronic patient.” It refers to a patient who uses the Internet as a channel for accessing medical information. e-patients conduct online research, communicate with healthcare providers, and interact with other patients, thereby deepening their understanding of diseases.
The term first came to public attention in March 1996, when physician and author Tom Ferguson introduced the phrase in his book *Health Online*, defining “e-patient” with three words: equipped, empowered, and engaged.
Under her leadership, Suzanne of the Pew Project began referring to online health consultees as “e-patients,” a term intended to illustrate how the Internet empowers users to improve their own health (or that of those they care for). To date, this term has been imbued with greater “energy”: enabled, equals, emancipated, and expert.
"Main Applications of 'ePatient'"
As internet tools become increasingly powerful, e-patients are exercising more and more “rights” online. In the past, patients primarily relied on their healthcare providers to understand, diagnose, and treat diseases. Now, patients can use the internet to assess symptoms, research treatment options, and learn about various diseases, rather than relying solely on doctors. Moreover, e-patients are more attentive to their health and proactively collaborate with physicians to manage their conditions.
ePatients primarily communicate and consult with healthcare providers via email or online medical consultations. Patients can ask questions, seek second opinions, and access diagnostic information from physicians through the Internet. They can also schedule appointments, view test results, and purchase medications online.
In addition to communicating with healthcare providers, e-patients can also interact with other patients online. After being diagnosed with a certain disease, patients often join disease support groups to seek encouragement from those who “share similar struggles.” Many patients also communicate through online forums and social media. On these platforms, patients can ask questions, receive opinions from other patients, and share important information about medical services. According to a survey by the U.S. website Allied Health World, 42% of users search for information related to doctors, treatments, and pharmaceutical products on social networks. If they ask doctors questions on social networks, more than 75% of users expect to receive a response within one day.
42% of users seek information on healthcare professionals, treatments, and pharmaceuticals on social networks;
25% of users watch health-related videos;
Nearly one-third of users discuss health-related topics;
Nearly 30% of users utilize social networks for health-related issues;
Nearly 25% of users can find others who “share their condition”;
23% of users follow their friends' health status on social networks;
20% of users will call it Health Discussion or Community;
The Facilitating Role of the “e-Patient”
Frequent online interactions are gradually improving the doctor-patient relationship. In the past, this relationship was characterized by patients’ complete reliance on physicians for information, medical guidance, and treatment plans. Today, e-patients play a more active role in their care; as their health literacy improves, they are able to engage in equitable communication with healthcare providers.
Moreover, the need to access vast online resources has driven quantitative changes in the healthcare industry. Through the internet, numerous hospitals are able to provide patients with efficient access to medical records, and sponsors of clinical trials can recruit participants. Many healthcare providers have expanded their operational scope by offering online appointment scheduling and digital payment options for medical services. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are also playing more active roles by promoting their services, answering medical inquiries, and delivering a broader range of patient care services.
“ePatient” Drives 15 Trends in the Industry
Driven by the internet, the healthcare industry is rapidly innovating. What development trends will its core subject, the “e-patient,” propel? According to predictions in the book ePatient 2015: 15 Surprising Trends Changing Healthcare, co-authored by Fard Johnmar and Rohit Bhargava, there are three main thematic developments:
Efficient Healthcare
Human-Centered Integration—Medical Technology Becomes More Intuitive and Human-Friendly;
Network Monitoring—The collection of more health data has raised many new privacy and security issues;
Medical Forecasting—Big Data and Powerful Computational Capabilities Help Us Make Predictions About the Future, Both Large and Small;
Personalized Healthcare Transformation
Improving Nutrition—Digital tools provide real-time nutritional information, helping consumers make better food choices;
Disparities in Service Levels—Economic Barriers Will Hinder Access to the Latest Medical Information in Underserved Areas;
Multicultural Bias—Lack of cultural and socioeconomic understanding poses a threat to the effectiveness of digital health technologies;
Healthy Living Environments—Considerations of Health Factors Will Influence Decisions on Where to Live, Especially for the Elderly;
Medical Pedigree—Genetic Data Will Help Us Predict Diseases, Select Medications, and More;
Neuron Mapping—Advances in brain mapping will help improve treatment outcomes, especially for mental disorders;
Naturopathy — New Science Continues to Challenge Old Beliefs in Effective Natural Therapies;
Excessive Quantified Self—As health data from wearables and sensor monitoring continues to grow, consumers will struggle to function normally;
Micro-Health Rewards – Rewards/penalties will be used to encourage consumers to engage more in healthcare;
Digital Therapeutics
Medical Hacking—Healthcare professionals and patients will use digital tools to “hack” into the healthcare system to seek and obtain better care;
Increased Clinical Resources—Patients Use Social Tools to Participate in Clinical Trials;
Virtual Consultations—Social and Other Digital Technologies Will Help Patients and Caregivers Coordinate Treatment with Each Other.VCBeatTrending English Terms in Internet HealthcareChief Advisory Consultant: Zhao Xinyuan, CEO of Beijing Intechlong Technology Co., Ltd., and Member of the HL7 China Technical Steering Committee.
VCBeat is Now RecruitingHot English Terms in Internet HealthcareAnalysts and volunteers, we welcome you to share your insights. Please follow the VCBeat WeChat official account and contact us!
For more information on internet healthcare venture capital, long-press the image to follow the VCBeat WeChat Official Account.