Why Should Consumers
Care About 'Open' Health Information and Software Solutions?
Health care provider organizations and computer specialists have
begun to understand the benefits of using 'open source' Health IT
solutions. However, most consumers still have no clue why this should be of
any concern to them. Here are some key points that need to be communicated to health care consumers: Videos
Consumers need to establish and start using a personal health record (PHR).
It's as important as your online personal
bank account. In fact, your health may be more important to you than
your money. How many times have you needed to know what prescriptions
you're on, shots you had, surgical procedures, allergies, family medical
histories, and more.
Consumers ought to make sure their doctor's office is using an electronic health record (EHR)
system. It's a sign of your doctor's commitment and ability to practice
high quality modern medicine. Are they still handing you a clip board
and asking you to check boxes related to you health? Do they have lots
of paper files on the shelf behind the receptionist? If they have
automated your bill payment, why not your health records.
What is a health information exchange (HIE) network and why is it needed? You need an HIE
to move data from your health care provider's EHR to your PHR. An HIE network can be used to enable
email and information exchange between doctors and their patients. Every state and
health care community should be connected to an HIE network. See SCHIEx
Today's consumers need access to mobile health apps to help you with specific
medical problems or health issues, e.g. diabetes, weight, blood pressure, etc. Many of these health apps are now available for free and work on
most vendor's smartphones.
Consumers also need access to free, high quality health information and education materials, especially as we move into an era of preventive medicine and self-care.Free open source tools and public domain data
are key to enabling this. Many of these tools, web sites, and information sources are already available.
Finally, consumers need access to online public health information
that can provide information on such topics as: the closest hospital
or emergency room; cancer clusters in your area; geographic maps showing
the status of spreading flu or epidemics; potential environmental
hazards in your neighborhood; and much more. Again, these should be
free, online systems
using public domain data sources.
* Visit the U.S. MedLine Plus consumer health information web sites.
Personal Health Records (PHR)
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suggest new material or links to be added to this web site, please email
groenpj@cs.com
