Florida National University Participatory Health Model Discussion Responses

The participatory health model uses shared decision making along with patient centered medicine to improve health. “Shared decision making occurs when health care providers and families discuss treatment options together as a team by including evidence-based practice along with familial values, preferences, and goals” (Whitney, 2018). Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their health care decision making. The goal of this is to improve the health of the patient.

“Participatory medicine is 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” (Smith, Graedon, Graedon, and Grohol, 2013). Health care providers can share evidence-based practice and set goals as a team that works best for not only the patient, but their families as well. Allowing patients to take a leading role in the decision making of their health promotes increased engagement from the patient and enhances learning. Patients are more likely to overcome any barriers to learning.

I chose this model because I feel strongly about patient autonomy. To use a very simple example, telling a patient they need to increase potassium intake and eat more bananas. If the patient does not like bananas, chances are they will not tell their physician this and then not eat bananas. However, using the participatory health model, the physician or would have the patient take an active role in their healthcare and they would together discover other food high in potassium. For patients to succeed in learning, they need to keep an open mind and actively participating in their healthcare is a great way to accomplish that.

Smith C.W; Graedon, T; Graedon, J; Grohol, J (May 2013). A model for the future of health care. Journal of Participatory Medicine. https://participatorymedicine.org/journal/opinion/com/model-for-the-future-of-health- care/

Whitney, S. (2018) Health Promotion: Health and Wellness Across the Continuum. Teaching and Learning Styles. https://www.gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon- university/2018/health-promotion_health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum_1e.php