Engagement, empowerment and patient generated health data

This thesis examines patient generated health data in the context of healthcare services where information asymmetry traditionally enshrined the doctor as all-powerful and the patient as a passive recipient. Through vignette-led interviews and a clinical trial, the research highlights the role of this information in the co-created process of patient engagement, then demonstrates how it promotes healthcare self-determination and consumer empowerment. Patient generated health data aids diagnosis and management of health conditions, and provides significant emotional value for patients and their peer network. This information supports consumer-driven efficiencies, eliminating unnecessary treatments and therefore may be able to reduce the overall cost of healthcare services. This thesis recommends that healthcare providers implement solicited and unsolicited patient generated health data to increase service confidence, satisfaction and reduce switching behaviour.