pLOG

2024-12-20

Empowering Patient Leaders: PatientsForce Supports Patients as Partners in Healthcare

With rapid advancements in medical technology and innovative treatments, the voices of patients and their active participation are becoming increasingly vital for improving healthcare systems. At PatientsForce, we firmly believe that substantive patient involvement can fundamentally enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services. This commitment drives our ongoing support for the Empowered Patient Leadership Academy, which aims to cultivate patients into experts within medical decision-making processes.

To equip patients with the knowledge and evidence-based skills needed to serve as effective representatives in decision-making discussions, the Academy has launched the EmpowerPatient360 online learning platform. As the world’s first Chinese-language training program for patient representatives, it is based on the EUPATI curriculum and tailored to Taiwan’s unique healthcare context.

The inaugural course focuses on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), helping patients understand its role in evaluating treatments and medical devices. Future modules will expand into digital healthcare and medical equipment. Sarah Bernier, a representative of EUPATI International, highlighted:

“EUPATI emphasizes collaboration by integrating information, education, and engagement among patients, academia, and industry. We’re excited to see this platform nurture the next generation of patient leaders in Taiwan.”

This initiative brings together representatives from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration, academia, patient organizations, and international groups. The program addresses the challenges and roles patients face in medical decision-making.

Dr. Ruo-Fang Pu eloquently emphasized:

“Empowerment is the cornerstone of enabling patients. Only when patients enhance their capabilities can they effectively exercise their rights and influence healthcare decisions.”

Through the systematic training provided by the Academy, patients not only develop their skills but also establish a solid foundation for future empowerment.

The launch of EmpowerPatient360 signifies a major milestone in elevating patient knowledge and representation, strengthening their voice in healthcare policies. This platform promises to cultivate patient leaders with professional expertise and communication abilities, paving the way for a more inclusive medical environment.

At PatientsForce, we will continue to support and participate in such initiatives. We envision a healthcare system that is fairer, more transparent, and inclusive, where every patient has a voice and is genuinely heard. Through deeper patient involvement, we can collectively drive better treatment outcomes and systemic progress.