Twenty-seven consumer-oriented organizations within the Consumer Partnership for eHealth this week unveiled their "Consumer Platform for Health IT," which proposes that the development of health IT be more "patient-centered and consumer focused" than it has been up until now, according to Health Data Management.
Few elements of the vision advanced by the consumer organizations have been neglected in the debate over meaningful use and how it might transform healthcare. Still, the patient point of view has not informed most software development in the healthcare field, the groups maintain.
Key goals set forth in the platform include:
- Clinical information contributed by individuals being used to provide holistic care;
- Correct information getting to the right person at the right time;
- Information being used and presented in ways that are meaningful to the individuals;
- Information being exchanged privately and securely without unnecessary barriers to its use; and
- Information being used to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all.
"Prioritizing these goals and including strong consumer involvement in redesigning care delivery approaches will help create an environment that is better prepared for engaging with empowered consumers about their individual care," the groups state in the platform.
Among the organizations that contributed to the creation of the platform are the AARP, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Heart Association, Consumers Union, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and the SEIU (Service Employees International Union).
To learn more:
- here's the platform (.pdf)
- read this Health Data Management piece