Online Communities as a Driver for Patient Empowerment: Systematic Review

摘要: Background: The use of online resources has changed how people manage health care processes. Patients seek information about conditions, guidance in treatment, and support from peers online, complementary to traditional trajectories. Online communities have the potential contribute quality by increasing patient empowerment; however, there is a gap research regarding what way empowerment. Objective: We synthesized empowerment address question “In ways can participation empowerment?” studying operationalized different studies. definition used this paper enablement for develop mastery over actions control decisions that influence their lives. both through processes outcomes development. Methods: A systematic review was conducted searching following databases: Scopus, ACM Digital Library, EBSCO (CINAHL MEDLINE), PubMed, Web Science. In total, were 1187 papers after excluding duplicates, selection using an analytical framework with definitions related concepts, 33 peer-reviewed included. Results: Findings indicated as process these Additionally, it seen complement encouragement professionals more positive attitude toward patients’ usage. There mix between deductive (19/33, 58%), inductive (11/33, 33%), mixed approach (3/33, 9%) various forms. most (21/33, 64%) well-established represented initiatives. Conclusions: need include professionals' perspectives embrace communities. This review's main contribution proposal new conceptualization be understood hierarchical levels.