Consumer health informatics

Consumer Health Informatics is a branch of health or clinical informatics that analyzes information needs of consumers, develops, tests, and implements strategies to deliver health information to consumers, and Integrates consumer preferences into clinical information systems.[1] This subspeciality of medical informatics studies the use of electronic information and communication to improve medical outcomes and the health care decision making process from the patient or consumer perspective.

Examples of consumer health information technologies include personal health records, smart cards, clinical e-mail communication, online pharmacies, and engaging consumers in shared decision-making.

References

1. Eysenbach, G. (2000). Consumer health informatics. British Medical Journal, 320, 1713-1716

Submitted by Matthew J. Cook, MPH