Outcomes4Me Inc., released the results of it's second annual State of Patient Empowerment Report on December 19th. The report surveys over 450 breast cancer patients and data from over 850 medical records requests. The study highlights the many challenges faced by patients in active treatment, and their reliance on online resources.

Only 51% of respondents reported a care team that was fully accessible to answer questions during active treatment, with only one third of patients stating they were fully satisfied with the information they received from their care team, both during active treatment as well as survivorship. 

Many felt they were not provided with enough information to make informed decisions, and to feel empowered in their ability to make decisions and/or advocate for themselves. Such information gaps are driving the use of online resources with 69% of patients using online resources at least several times per week to manage their care. Though the proactive approach to care by patients can be viewed as self-empowerment, it does highlight the major deficiencies in the care they are receiving from their medical providers. 

Read more about the study here, or review the full study here.