How physicians can empower patients with digital tools: A joint study of the Italian Scientific Society of Internal Medicine (FADOI) and the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM)

Background: While there is broad consensus that the use of digital tools would significantly improve patient empowerment, to date, an improvement in health outcomes has been elusive. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess how to improve the ability of physicians to empower patients with digital tools. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey using SurveyMonkey over nearly 6 months. A questionnaire was sent with an email, explaining the aims of the survey and providing a link to complete the web-based questionnaire, to the heads of each of the 37 medical national societies adhering to the EFIM (European Federation of Internal Medicine), inviting them to disseminate the questionnaire among their members. Results: Two hundred and eighteen responses were received. They suggest that the main success factors in increasing and improving patient empowerment with digital tools and realizing health goals are clinical evidence, followed by patient/physician involvement in the design, tools designed around the real needs of the patient, and reimbursement. Most of the respondents who have already prescribed digital tools for patient empowerment are just enough satisfied with the results achieved by their patients. Interestingly, 18% of the respondents had spent more than 30 min on the visit of patient to doctor. However, the majority devoted only 5–9 min to illustrating the suggested digital tools. Conclusions: According to the respondents, clinical evidence, motivation, physician and patient’s involvement in design, and reimbursement, as well as organizations’ appropriate business models and support, are the main determinants of the diffusion and effective adoption of digital tools for successful patient empowerment in internal medicine.