The concept of the e-patient, defined as an individual "equipped, enabled, empowered, and engaged" in their health, has been propelled forward by advancements spanning the early days of the internet to the latest in AI. This evolution marks a significant shift from the traditional passive patient role to one of active participation and co-production in health care.
"Our research demonstrates a clear trajectory where each digital innovation has built upon its predecessors, providing patients with unprecedented tools for self-care and interaction with the health care system," says Dr. Danny Sands, an author of the research. "This isn't just about convenience; it's about fundamentally changing the dynamic between patients and clinicians for the better."
The article details 9 key technological innovations and their profound impact on patient empowerment:
- The World Wide Web, which democratized access to health information and medical literature.
- Email, which facilitated asynchronous communication between patients and providers, breaking down traditional barriers.
- Social networking, which created peer-to-peer support communities, enabling information sharing and emotional support.
- Electronic health records (EHRs), which enhanced safety and confidence in care, laying the groundwork for patient access to their data.
- Patient portals, which provided direct access to medical records, secured communication with health care teams, and streamlined administrative tasks.
- Smartphones, which offered ubiquitous access to health information, apps, and connectivity with health care resources and self-monitoring devices.
- Patient-generated health data (PGHD), which empowered patients to contribute their own health insights from self-monitoring devices, improving self-management and clinical understanding.
- Telemedicine and telehealth, which improved access to professional care, especially for mental health and lifestyle needs, and expanded remote care options.
- AI, which has emerged with vast potential to help patients understand their medical records, enhance comprehension of medical literature, and assist with complex health decisions.
The researchers emphasize that the rise of the e-patient, often driven by a desire for greater control and transparency, has in turn spurred further technological development. This ongoing cycle is creating a health care system that is increasingly safer and more attuned to individual patient needs.
"While we celebrate these advancements, we also recognize the ethical challenges that new technologies, particularly AI, present," Dr. Sands adds. "Concerns around patient safety, data privacy, and equitable access remain paramount and require careful consideration as we move forward."
The study concludes that the symbiotic evolution of digital health technologies and the ascendance of the e-patient are forging a future where communication, collaboration, and coordination between patients and clinicians are significantly improved, leading to a more patient-centric health care experience.
Sands DZ, Finn NB.
From Internet to Artificial Intelligence (Al) Bots: Symbiotic Evolutions of Digital Technologies and e-Patients.
J Particip Med. 2025 Jun 4;17:e68911. doi: 10.2196/68911