Excelsior College Personal Health Records Empowering Consumers Questions

2 pages max

1. Access to consumer information has evolved to the point in which patients can access their charts and read their entire medical records from notes from healthcare team members the health care team members’ notes. Do you believe that consumers should have access to their medical records and access to all of their information entered by the healthcare team? Why or why not?

2. How is information empowering to consumers in making behavioral changes?

3. We know that consumers’ ability to effectively distinguish credible from non-credible information varies based on many factors. Not all consumers are as “internet savvy” as Dave. How can consumers evaluate online information for validity? How might this differ for someone who is used to sifting through online information versus someone who may not be? As you discuss this, be sure to consider potential concerns around social media groups.

4. It is clear that consumer informatics has transformed the way we deliver services. What do you see as the role of the healthcare professional in advising consumers?

5. Internet access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week has transformed consumer communication and connection with information, providers, and fellow health consumers. Consider some of the technologies (Internet, social media, mobile apps, etc…) What changes stand out to you? Are these changes positive, concerning, or perhaps both?