In recent years the term 'patient empowerment' has increasingly been used among healthcare policy makers; however, discussions have focused on narrow activities that as stand-alone activities would be unlikely to give patients power. This paper presents findings from a systematic review of the medical literature. After offering a new definition of patient empowerment, we review the literature behind the concept, aided by a conceptual model. The model is derived from our review of all papers published in medicine (Medline) between 1980 and 2005, and is focused around issues related to the antecedents, activities and outcomes of patient empowerment, especially as they relate to researchers who may need to formulate or evaluate public policies aimed at the issue. We strive to stimulate more discussion of the linkages between public policy and patient empowerment, identifying a need to take a holistic approach, especially when policies are aimed at empowering patients in the area of personal drug management.

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