Digital health services and wearable technologies are meant to empower users to change behaviours, and become better informed, more engaged patients. However, to what extent has the rhetoric of empowerment in the context of digital health been diluted to the point that when we speak of "empowering users", what we really mean is "let's get the patient to do our job for us". Have we simply hijacked the rebellious language of human centred co-design to commodify citizen-led initiatives? Is fostering a digitally engaged patient truly about empowerment, or have service providers just become lazy?

This presentation draws on three formative projects: my work founding a not-for-profit when I was 19 years old, my experience providing patient-centred frontline healthcare services for people involved in street sex work, and my current role as a commissioner on Europe’s largest health and care website, NHS Choices.

Merging academic theory with industry best practice, this presentation negotiates the tenuous space occupied by those working to effect change within “the system”. In doing so, I will explore how valuing diversity and inclusivity can lead to better digital healthcare for everyone.