Abstract

In France, the Kouchner law of 2002 has allowed for a rethinking of patients’ rights; as well, it introduced the notion of health democracy. For example, in oncology, advocacy groups for patients and ex-patients now provide support and information to patients, representation of patients in health care institutions and state agencies, education to caregivers, and opportunities for participation in research. In fact, such advocacy groups have been so impactful that some patients have gone on to work in the health care system itself; it is this rise in professionalism that is of interest in this article, where we will discuss the first results of two ongoing research projects on the subject.