From the article: "Patient-centered care is considered one pillar of a
high-performing, high-quality health care system. It is a key component of many
efforts to transform care and achieve better population health. Expansion of
health information technology and consumer e-health tools—electronic tools and
services such as secure e-mail messaging between patients and providers, or
mobile health apps—have created new opportunities for individuals to
participate actively in monitoring and directing their health and health care.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in the
Department of Health and Human Services leads the strategy to increase
electronic access to health information, support the development of tools that
enable people to take action with that information, and shift attitudes related
to the traditional roles of patients and providers. In this article we review recent
evidence in support of consumer e-health and present the federal strategy to
promote advances in consumer e-health to increase patient engagement, improve
individual health, and achieve broader health care system improvements." Read more