Empowered patients typically achieve better health outcomes. Patient empowerment happens when:

• Healthcare professional and patient/care partner establish a positive relationship early in their relationship
• Healthcare professional shares treatment options in an easy to understand way and can adapt to differing communications preferences/styles
• Patient is treated as a partner and is encouraged, by their healthcare professional, to play an active role in healthcare decisions
• Healthcare professional and patient partner to determine best treatment path
• Patient feels in control when making healthcare decisions

Attributes of an empowered patient (as described by healthcare professionals):

• Patient can articulate their goals for care
• Patients are well-informed, in control, and deeply involved in decisions about their health
• Ask questions/seek information
• Have a strong social support system