The U.S. healthcare system is plagued by inefficiencies, inequities, and a growing sense of frustration among both patients and providers. According to healthcare advocate Eileen Filliben, the solution lies in an often-overlooked but vital aspect of care: the patient-provider partnership. “Healthcare reform isn’t just about policies or systems,” she explains. “It’s about relationships. When patients and providers work together, they create trust, improve outcomes, and drive meaningful change.”
This article explores the critical role of patient-provider partnerships in addressing flaws in modern healthcare, the barriers that hinder collaboration, and actionable steps to strengthen these relationships for better health and a more effective system.
The State of Healthcare: Why Partnerships Matter
Healthcare in the United States is at a crossroads. Despite spending more on healthcare than any other nation, the system ranks poorly in terms of patient outcomes, access, and equity. At the heart of many of these challenges is a lack of trust and communication between patients and providers. Filliben believes that this disconnect undermines the effectiveness of care.
“Patients often feel like they’re navigating the system alone, while providers are overwhelmed with administrative burdens,” she says. “This lack of alignment leads to miscommunication, mistrust, and missed opportunities for better care.”
The patient-provider partnership is essential for bridging this gap. Building meaningful connections with patients helps doctors follow the adage of treating the patient and not the disease. Treatments are not one size fits all because each patient is unique and has different needs based on lifestyle, health history, genetic predispositions, family support systems, definitions of quality of life, and many other things. The ultimate patient-provider partnership is shared decision-making (SDM). SDM is a collaborative approach through which, in consultation with their doctors, patients are encouraged to think about the available care options, weigh the potential benefits versus harms of each, and help select the best course of action moving forward. Studies show that when providers engage their patients in SDM about their treatment, patients are more likely to comply with instructions, make timely follow-up appointments, and fare better overall. This partnership is at the core of positive patient experiences.
When patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their care, they are more likely to get and stay actively involved in their health. Similarly, providers benefit from the insights and collaboration of informed patients, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies.
Barriers to Patient-Provider Collaboration
While the benefits of strong patient-provider partnerships are clear, several barriers prevent these relationships from flourishing. One major obstacle is the time constraint faced by healthcare providers. In many systems, providers are limited to 10–15 minutes per patient, making it challenging to build rapport or address concerns comprehensively.
Additionally, the growing complexity of medical care, coupled with opaque insurance processes, often leaves patients feeling confused and powerless. Filliben emphasizes that patients who don’t understand their diagnosis or treatment options are less likely to ask questions, advocate for themselves or engage meaningfully in their care. “You can’t have a partnership when one side is left in the dark,” she says.
Another significant barrier is the widespread burnout among providers. Overburdened with paperwork, long hours, and mounting expectations, many healthcare professionals struggle to connect with patients on a human level. This disconnect further erodes trust, creating a vicious cycle of frustration for both sides.
Building Stronger Partnerships for Reform
For Filliben, patient-provider partnerships are not just a concept—they are a cornerstone of better patient experiences which lead to better outcomes. She believes that fostering collaboration requires systemic changes as well as individual efforts from both patients and providers.
On the systemic level, she advocates for policies that give providers more time to engage with patients. Reducing administrative burdens, streamlining insurance processes, and increasing access to care are all critical steps in creating an environment where partnerships can thrive. “We need a system that supports meaningful interactions, not one that treats patients as widgets on an assembly line that must be whisked down the conveyor belt at the exact same speed,” she explains.
On an individual level, she encourages providers to prioritize empathy and communication. Simple actions such as physically getting on the same eye level as patients, making sustained eye contact, listening actively, and explaining medical terms in plain language, can go a long way in building trust. “Patients want to feel seen and heard,” she says. “When providers make that effort, it transforms the entire care experience.”
Patients, too, have a role to play. Filliben urges individuals to take an active approach to their healthcare by asking questions, voicing concerns, and seeking clarity when needed. She also highlights the importance of preparation. Bringing a list of questions or a summary of symptoms to appointments can help maximize the limited time with providers, and taking notes can help patients retain key information and stay on track with treatment plans. “A partnership is a two-way street,” she says. “Patients need to come to the table ready to engage.” In addition, patients can benefit tremendously from using online patient portals or apps that their providers use. These portals or apps provide a wealth of information, are available 24/7, and are a great way to communicate with your provider and their staff on non-urgent matters.
Transforming Healthcare Through Relationships
The ripple effect of stronger patient-provider partnerships extends beyond individual care. When trust and collaboration become the norm, they drive broader changes across the healthcare system. Filliben points to research showing that improved communication leads to fewer medical errors, higher patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes. “Partnerships don’t just improve care—they reform the system from within,” she says.
Moreover, these partnerships can serve as a foundation for advocating systemic change. Patients who feel empowered are more likely to push for policies that prioritize access, equity, and quality care. Providers, in turn, can use their influence to advocate for reforms that reduce burnout and improve workplace conditions. Together, these efforts create a united front for meaningful healthcare reform.
Conclusion
Eileen Filliben’s vision for healthcare reform is rooted in relationships. By prioritizing patient-provider partnerships, she believes we can address many of the system’s most pressing challenges and create a more equitable, effective, and compassionate model of care.
“Healthcare reform isn’t just about fixing a broken system—it’s about reimagining the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate,” Filliben concludes. “When patients and providers come together, they have the power to transform healthcare for everyone.”
