The transition from doctor-centered to patient-centered care depends upon informed and empowered health care consumers. Explore how consumer health informatics promotes consumer empowerment by making health information more accessible and usable. Examine the use of health websites, blogs and social media tools for patient education, as well as the emerging use of mobile applications and consumer electronic devices for information and chronic disease management. Topics include current trends, common sources of information, disparities in access and health literacy, usability factors, ethics and privacy. Consider the changing nature of the doctor-patient relationship; the coming era of personalized and participatory medicine; and the role of consumer health informatics in systematizing and codifying consumers’ needs, values and preferences in medical information systems.
This is not a self-paced course. Students will progress through the course together. Lessons will be posted one week at a time. The previous week's lesson will remain available for the duration of the course. Students who enroll after the start date of the course will have to contact the instructor regarding missed lessons.