ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This article examines the role of power distribution in partnerships between health consumers and professionals in determining successful desired outcomes, and the contributing role of consumer knowledge and autonomy. Recognition is given to the lack of practical tools, from both consumer and professional perspectives, to assist in the creation of productive partnerships. METHOD: A conceptual analysis of the notions of consumer knowledge and autonomy in the context of outcomes, followed by the development of a prototype framework that aims to facilitate productive health partnerships. RESULTS: The authors present prototype tools, which are shared between health consumer and professional, for identifying the strength of their cumulative power relative to their alignment to a common desired outcome (goal). The tools provide a choice of power contexts for the partnership to operate within, and a simple method for testing alignment to a common goal. CONCLUSION: Increased health consumer knowledge and autonomy is associated with improved outcomes and these can in turn be influenced through productive health partnerships. The P2 framework is one approach to establishing robust working relationships between health professionals and consumers.
