We’re hearing a lot about how Canadians are demanding to be more of a partner in their own health care. For that to happen, we need a different mindset.

A quick story. After working out one day, I felt that I pulled a muscle. So when I had a physical not long after, I told my family doctor. She said it was probably nothing, that the pain would go away by itself. I listened. When the pain continued for a few months, my doctor still said not to worry. Finally, after more prodding on my part, I received a requisition for an x-ray and have since been diagnosed with arthritis.

Why did it take so long? Mainly because I felt uncomfortable pushing back.

That’s a common feeling. People tend to trust their health care provider, and the health care system. That confidence is often well-placed. But it doesn’t show a lack of faith to want to ask questions, be involved in your care, and have a voice in how our health care is delivered. It shows that you’re a smart consumer.

In our own business, market research tells us that patients want to be engaged that way. The health care system knows that too. Many health care organizations and practitioners are talking about a “patient-centred” model. But patients need to put themselves at the centre of discussions and decisions.

That’s happening more and more, and at all levels. The most obvious is one-on-one at the clinical level, where many patients are feeling more empowered. It’s equally important to gain the patient perspective at the health system level, when institutions are planning services, or when governments are forming health care policy.

For example, we see the emergence of numerous patient advocacy and rights groups. Patients are also being represented on various boards and panels of health care bodies.

Another important sign is the opportunity that patients have to weigh in on entities like the Common Drug Review. That’s essential. Scientists and studies may be able to tell us about the effectiveness of drugs. But patients alone can speak to quality of life and the real world impact. How does it feel? Only patients have that answer.

That’s because patients are ultimately the consumers, in this case health care consumers.

What’s interesting is that in so many other consumer areas, people are highly engaged. Take for instance the electronics store, before going in and making a decision about what product to buy, you’ve probably poured over reams of information on the best models, and have the knowledge and willingness – the eagerness – to ask thoughtful questions. In fact, I’ve seen studies that say that people spend more time researching electronic gadgets than they do their doctor.

In the commercial world, companies not only anticipate consumer input, they readily seek it. They become more responsive as a result. That needs to happen much more in health care too. Patients should always feel comfortable and entitled to make their voice heard loud and clear, around the care, service and choices they want.

Patient expectations of the health care system and their participation in it are growing, and that’s positive. You can call that a patient revolution. But I like to think of it as being about knowledgeable and involved consumers – and that always leads to better outcomes.

Sabrina Paiva is Senior Manager, Product PR and Stakeholder Relations for Amgen Canada (www.amgen.ca).