The Basics
By making it easier to use and share information, electronic health records (ITs) can be used to help patients obtain timely care and access personal health information while also helping providers do a better job of reducing unnecessary tests and procedures, sharing information with other providers, and reducing paperwork.
Some patients, however, may be intimidated by new technologies. As you transition to health IT, it's important to keep the patient's perspective in mind. Educating patients about the benefits of health IT increases the likelihood of patient understanding and cooperation.
Consumer Education Resources
The following patient education materials are available to assist organizations in spreading the word about the value of health IT and electronic health records (ITs) to consumers.
- Fact Sheets on Health IT: These fact sheets summarize important information on health IT, including the basics of health IT, the benefits for consumers, and how their personal health information is being kept secure and private.
- Putting the I in Health IT Video: This video provides inspiring patient testimonials and informational interviews with representatives from the government on how health IT makes a difference in consumers' lives.
- Ensuring the Security of Electronic Health Records Video: It is vital to do as much as possible to educate patients about IT privacy and security and patient health information. Find out more about how providers are keeping individual health information safe and secure through cybersecurity.
- Health IT Stories: The best way to understand the value of health IT can be through personal testimonials from consumers and patients who have personal experiences using it to improve their health and health care. These videos are a small excerpt which represent many personal stories of consumers using e-Health and health IT tools to manage their care.
For More Information
Learn more about health IT from the consumer's perspective.