Step 9: Keep working
Patient empowerment requires work! Even after you have achieved a certain level of successful involvement, the work does not end - it is just beginning.
First, you should stay active in your general search for information on your illness. There are always new developments, research trials and findings, and new treatment options. When things can start to look very depressing, it is quite a nice thought that maybe there is indeed something that may be coming in the next year or so in order to help out.
Second, keep looking for specific tools that may help you like a personal health record or patient portals. In addition, there may be new providers or clinics that can offer alternative levels of care. Look also for tools that assist in your decision making in order to work towards empowerment. There are many out there. Again, this is not for everyone, but typically people that are chronically ill – 3Cs, are very interested in considering options.
Third, look to continue to partner with our patients out there. They may exist in your neighborhood or somewhere around the world, but there is indeed some solace in finding people who share the same perspectives and same experiences - even if these experiences are not so much fun!
One place that puts it all together to support you is Wellocities.
