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Q |
Great cover! Where did you get the idea? |
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A |
Glad you like it! I wanted a cover that screamed
"vulnerable patient!" Because that's how we all feel. Who
doesn't feel vulnerable when forced to wear one of those gowns?
The big problem is, most of us have no idea how vulnerable we
really are. That's why I wrote the book. |
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Q |
I've heard the term "e-patient" - but you use the term
"EmPatient". What's the difference? |
|
A |
The real truth is that they are interchangeable. But I
spend a lot of time talking to patients who believe the "e"
refers to electronic - meaning computers and the Internet. And
because not everyone uses the Internet, or because so many are
intimidated by it, they think that leaves
them out.
So, to allay confusion, I chose to use "EmPatient" to refer to
Empowered and Engaged Patients. Anyone who is
engaged and empowered, whether they use the Internet or not,
will find useful suggestions in this book. |
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|
Q |
How much of your book is a reaction to healthcare reform in the
United States? |
|
A |
Truthfully - very little. This book is not political.
It's observational and actionable.
When people ask me what I think of healthcare reform, I tell
them I see healthcare reform as job security. As long as the system is
dysfunctional, and as long as patients are confused, or not well
served, there will be a need for my book and the rest of my
work, too. |
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|
Q |
You have clearly researched this book very carefully and I see
plenty of research web addresses in the back of the book.
It's easier to click on links than type them in. Is there
somewhere I can do that? |
|
A |
For people who own the book, there is a very easy way to do
that. Just log in to the Reader's Section from
the homepage (see the login in the upper
right?)
You'll find additional information in the Reader's Section, too,
including updates to the book and additional information.
If you don't own the book? Then
please do buy it! It's probably worth it just to get
those links. |
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|
Q |
Now that you have finished this book, do you plan to write
another one? |
|
A |
Yes, I do. I anticipate the next book to be about the 10 Money
Mistakes Every Patient Makes. Hope to have it ready by
early 2011.
Beyond that, we have begun development of a series of
You Bet
Your Life! books! They will be disease or condition
specific and written by experts in those conditions and
diseases. For example, in the future, you may see The 10
Mistakes Every Diabetes Patient Makes, The 10 Mistakes Every
Heart Disease Patient Makes, The 10 Mistakes Every Pregnant
Woman Makes or The 10 Mistakes Every Osteoporosis Patient Makes.
If you'd like to stay
updated on these developments, please sign up for notices.
If you'd like to suggest the topic you would like to see,
contact us. |
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|
Q |
Do you ever teach workshops or speak about the book or patient
empowerment in general? |
|
A |
Yes! One of my
favorite
activities is speaking to groups about patient empowerment
or speaking to professionals about ways to improve their
interface with patients. I've developed a workshop for You
Bet Your Life! too.
I keep a calendar of speaking and
workshop engagements. If you are looking for someone
to teach or speak at your next conference or meeting, please
contact me. |
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