Oral potentially malignant disorders: Challenges for patient participation due to opacity

Opacity – or the lack of transparency - impacts patients' ability to participate in and contribute to decision-making. This contribution examines how opacity affects patient engagement in the context of oral potentially malignant disorders. The discussion focuses on three key areas: the effects of unclear disease classifications on patient perceptions of their health; the ways in which ambiguous healthcare pathways create barriers for both patients and providers; and the broader impact of opacity on patient autonomy. The conclusion explores strategies to reduce or mitigate these challenges, including fostering epistemic networks for patients and healthcare providers and embracing the value of humility in care work. • Unclear disease classifications leave patients uncertain about their health status • Complex healthcare pathways delay diagnosis and patients feel lost in the system • Interdisciplinary networks can enhance transparency and improve care quality • Humility fosters shared decision-making and patient-centered care