From WebMD to AI chatbots: How innovation has empowered patients to take control of their health

(Press-News.org) TORONTO, ON July 28, 2025 A new research article published in the Journal of Participatory Medicine unveils how successive waves of digital technology innovation have empowered patients, fostering a more collaborative and responsive health care system. The paper, titled "From Internet to Artificial Intelligence (Al) Bots: Symbiotic Evolutions of Digital Technologies and e-Patients," explores the symbiotic evolution of digital health tools and the increasingly engaged e-patient.

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.

 

About the Journal of Participatory Medicine: 

The Journal of Participatory Medicine is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to exploring the intersection of patients and health care, with a focus on patient engagement, empowerment, and shared decision-making. The journal is also the official journal of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

 

About JMIR Publications:

JMIR Publications is a leading open access publisher of digital health research and a champion of open science. With a focus on author advocacy and research amplification, JMIR Publications partners with researchers to advance their careers and maximize the impact of their work. As a technology organization with publishing at its core, we provide innovative tools and resources that go beyond traditional publishing, supporting researchers at every step of the dissemination process. Our portfolio features a range of peer-reviewed journals, including the renowned Journal of Medical Internet Research.

 

About the Society for Participatory Medicine:

The Society for Participatory Medicine is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting the concept of participatory medicine, a movement in which networked patients shift from being mere passengers to responsible drivers of their health, and in which providers encourage and value them as full partners.
 

To learn more about JMIR Publications, please visit jmirpublications.com or connect with us via Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

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