The Petalo Insider

Consumers are often ill-equipped to have meaningful discussions with health care providers about their individual health needs. The lack of quality information may cause them to make poor decisions that could lead to results antithetical to their objectives. Additionally, the knowledge that they do possess could also be misunderstood or inaccurate. Similarly, general information alone is also not sufficient for consumers to make informed decisions. Providers must engage the consumer in conversations about risks versus benefits, and how these fit with the individual's goals and preferences. "Providing high-quality information to consumers through well-designed tools, as well as other resources [...]

In its 2018 annual report to Congress, the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) argued that healthcare providers are making progress toward a more interoperable system of healthcare information management. However, providers and consumers still face significant hurdles to information access, efficient communication, and convenient integration. These obstacles impede meeting the goal of simple and effective person-centered care.2018 Report to Congress: Annual Update on the Adoption of a Nationwide System for the Electronic Use and Exchange of Health Information." The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. [...]