'patient-led' is a compound word formed from 'patient' and 'led', where 'patient' refers to a person receiving medical care and 'led' is the past participle of 'lead', meaning to guide or direct.

The term 'patient-led' emerged in modern English as healthcare systems began to emphasize the importance of patient involvement in their own care.

Initially, 'led' simply meant 'guided', but in the context of 'patient-led', it evolved to signify a healthcare approach where patients have a significant role in decision-making.