IOM releases “Partnering with Patients” meeting summary

The Institute of Medicine released a meeting summary today of a workshop that took place in February, “Partnering with Patients to Drive Shared Decisions, Better Value, and Care Improvements.” A short video capturing the key messages of the workshop, and including the voice of patients, has also been released. In an efficient health care system, care choices are democratized and based on the best evidence. Empowering patients to become partners in — rather than customers of — health care is a critical step on the road to achieving the best care at lower cost, although the infrastructure and cultural changes necessary to transform the patient role are significant. Encouraging patient engagement in care decisions, value, and research is crucial to achieving better care, improved health, and lower health care costs. Read more.