Final answer:
Increased patient involvement is influenced by the efficiency model in healthcare, workforce challenges, the need to overcome healthcare disparities, and the implementation of Theatre in Health Education to improve professional-patient interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the current healthcare environment, increased patient involvement is driven by a variety of factors. The transformation to a mass production and efficiency model in healthcare, which includes telemedicine, standardization methods, and the use of artificial intelligence, necessitates that patients are more informed and proactive in their care. Additionally, healthcare providers face work overload and heavy physical demands, alongside the emotional challenges of addressing patient concerns, dealing with death, and medical complexities. Interactions with medical staff also highlight the need for improved interpersonal skills.
Another driver for patient involvement is the need to address healthcare disparities and promote health equity. Racial and cultural barriers, provider stereotyping, and communication difficulties all underscore the importance of patient advocacy and education. Experience with these challenges often motivates individuals and community-based organizations to engage in community-engaged research and implement health education and disease prevention strategies aimed at improving quality of care and quality of life for those coping with life-threatening illnesses.
Finally, the adoption of Theatre in Health Education practices and standardized patient programs reflects the need for healthcare professionals to improve their bedside manner. These programs use professional actors to simulate patient scenarios, thereby helping medical students and doctors to develop empathy and respect in their patient interactions.