From E-Patients to AI Patients: The Tidal Wave Empowering Patients, Redefining Clinical Relationships, and Transforming Care

Susan S Woods; Sarah M Greene; Laura Adams; Grace Cordovano; Matthew F Hudson

doi:10.2196/75794

From E-Patients to AI Patients: The Tidal Wave Empowering Patients, Redefining Clinical Relationships, and Transforming Care

J Particip Med. 2025 May 16:17:e75794. doi: 10.2196/75794.

Authors

Susan S Woods¹, Sarah M Greene², Laura Adams², Grace Cordovano³, Matthew F Hudson⁴

Affiliations

¹ Fork Food Lab, 95 Darling Ave, South Portland, ME, 04106, United States.
² National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States.
³ Enlighteningresults, LLC, New York, NY, United States.
⁴ Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, United States.

PMID: 40378413
PMCID: PMC12101788
DOI: 10.2196/75794

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models offer significant potential to enhance many aspects of daily life. Patients and caregivers are increasingly using AI for their own knowledge and to address personal challenges. The growth of AI has been extraordinary; however, the field is only beginning to explore its intersection with participatory medicine. For many years, the Journal of Participatory Medicine has published insights on tech-enabled patient empowerment and strategies to enhance patient-clinician relationships. This theme issue, Patient and Consumer Use of AI for Health, will explore the use of AI for health from the perspective of patients and the public.

Keywords: AI; LLM; artificial intelligence; caregivers; co-design; coproduction; digital health; internet; large language models; participatory medicine; patient empowerment; patient engagement; patients.

Publication types

Editorial