In his book, The Decision Tree: Navigating the Future of Healthcare, Thomas Goetz conveys some of the information challenges that face individuals and their health. He writes about the opportunity that a decision-tree approach to health information offers (engagement improves outcomes).
In the video below, one of his comments relates to the decisions people make about their health. He comments that many of the diseases we face are "diseases of lifestyle," meaning that these health conditions result from poor decisions (e.g. obesity). When poor decisions are made, outcomes suffer. When patients are engaged, they have the opportunity for better information to develop a path that can lead to improved health.
After watching the video, it brought to mind HHS's Meaningful Use Matrix, Policy Priority #2 -- "Engage Patients and Families."
The ability to engage Patients and Families in their health care means that patients are educated on their disease, conditions and treatment options. For Stage 1, the primary Care Goal is to provide patients and families with timely access to data, knowledge, and the tools to make informed decisions and to manage their health. This means things such as provision of patient-specific education resources, providing clinical summaries for each encounter, and electronic access to their records (including lab results, problem list, medication lists, and allergies) upon request.
I think I'll put this book on my list of "books to read." For more information about how to buy the book (also available in Kindle e-reader format), click here. To read Chapter 1 online or download a podcast, click here.
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Great video!
Very relevant and logical information. The thouhgt that only 3% of Americans are compliant with the measures for healthy living (no smoking, no drinking, weight control, and exercise),is saddening. I,m more saddened by the realization that members of my family are included in the 97%noncompliant group.
Posted by: Rachel McDonald | April 13, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Thomas Goetz here. Thanks for the write up - the ideas in the book do indeed emphasize the sort of engagement you discuss.
Posted by: Thomas goetz | February 28, 2010 at 03:56 PM