The e‐Patient in the Digital Health Era: A Concept Analysis Using Rodgers’ Evolutionary Method

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Background and Aim The term “e‐patient” is increasingly prevalent in healthcare literature; however, its definition often lacks clarity and consensus due to the rapid evolution of technology. This conceptual ambiguity poses significant challenges to clinical practice, nursing education, and research. This study aims to clarify the concept of the “e‐patient” using Rodgers’ evolutionary method. Methods The literature search was conducted in January 2026 across five primary databases (PubMed, CINAHL, WOS, and Scopus), using keywords such as “e‐patient,” “digital patient,” and “empowered patient” combined with “nursing” and “healthcare.” Following a screening process, 38 articles were selected for the final analysis. Rodgers’ evolutionary method was employed, and a thematic analysis was used to identify the concept’s attributes, antecedents, and consequences. Findings The analysis defines an e‐patient as a healthcare consumer who leverages digital tools to participate fully in their medical care. Key attributes include proactivity, empowerment, digital health literacy, collaboration, self‐management, and the desire for access to medical records. The concept’s antecedents were identified as the proliferation of technological infrastructure, a paradigm shift toward patient‐centered care, and widespread access to health information. The consequences manifest at three levels: for the patient (e.g., increased knowledge or improved self‐management), for the patient–provider relationship (e.g., enhanced collaboration or increased tension), and for the healthcare system (e.g., improved efficiency or new ethical challenges). Conclusion This study redefines the e‐patient not as a mere internet user but as an active, self‐directed innovator within the health ecosystem. e‐patients use technology to transition from passive recipients of care to equal partners and cocreators of health. This clarified concept provides a framework for nurses to adapt clinical practice, update educational curricula, and design future research that supports this new generation of patients and harnesses the potential of digital health.

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