‘Ignorance is bliss sometimes’: constraints on the emergence of the ‘informed patient’ in the changing landscapes of health information

Abstract

In this paper we describe and analyse results from an empirical study designed to provide insight into factors facilitating and/or inhibiting the emergence of the much-heralded 'informed patient' and its sociological equivalent, the 'reflexive patient' or 'reflexive consumer'. In particular, we seek to examine the relationship between information and empowerment in a healthcare context and assess the significance of the Internet in mediating this relationship. The paper draws on data from interviews with 32 mid-life women concerned to know about HRT for the relief of menopausal symptoms. Having analysed these women's 'information practices', we conclude that constraints on the emergence of the informed patient identity exist within both patient and practitioner communities and within the space occupied by both in the medical encounter. In particular, in this paper we identify a tension caused by the emphasis on 'information for choice' in the informed patient discourse which itself obscures the potential conflict between lay and expert/ medical knowledges in the clinical encounter.

Understanding the information behaviours of carers of people with dementia: A critical review of models from information science

“…This is particularly relevant to health information, which may increase uncertainty and be perceived as threatening (Leydon et al 2000 andHenwood et al 2003) . For example, women diagnosed with breast cancer, do not necessarily wish to receive information immediately, when coming to terms with a diagnosis (Rees and Bath, 2000a).…”

Patient empowerment within a coronary care unit: Insights for health professionals drawn from a patient satisfaction survey

“…It remains an elusive, complex and contested multidimensional concept (Tones, 1998) with meagre empirical evidence to show that it can effect clinically meaningful outcomes such as how patients feel or function. Moreover, Henwood et al (2003) contend that some patients wish to adopt a passive role in relationships with their general practitioners and opt to devolve responsibility for decision making to their medical practitioners. Compatible with Henwood et al (2003), this article reports on patients' perceptions of empowerment in a coronary care setting which also contradict the received wisdom that patients necessarily wish to be empowered.…”

A Socially Situated Approach to Inform Ways to Improve Health and Wellbeing

“…Still there is a need to consider that this may not be sufficient to understand the technical complexities of disease causation (Prior 2003). However, with the growth of web-based health related information, interactive forums and consumer websites, it is claimed that people have been transformed into 'reflexive consumers' of healthcare (Henwood et al 2003). This is alongside a range of other media in which the apparent information needs of patients/consumers are being met (see Eysenback, 2000).…”