- http://www.jopm.org/opinion/commentary/2012/09/05/collaboration-communication-and-connection-fostering-patient-engagement-in-health-care/
- http://e-patients.net/archives/2012/12/onc-visual-companion-to-the-great-vid-about-ehrs.html
Provide names of other journalists involved.
None
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
5-Sep-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The purpose of this story is to illustrate that when patients are engaged in managing and monitoring their health their outcomes improve. The results of a large study conducted by Kaiser Permanente of patients with diabetes and hypertension indicated that the use of secure patient-physician messaging resulted in significant improvement, of their glycemic, blood pressure and cholesterol by as much as 2 to 6.5 %. The article points out that patient engagement requires effort on the part of both patients and providers and offers specific guidelines on how to achieve those goals.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
The article involved web research and telephone interviews to collect the data, as well as a broad understandings of patient engagement gleaned from patient experiences, provider input and general observation. No public records were required.
Explain types of human sources used.
Physician interviews Patient interviews Personal experience Connection and interaction with the participatory medicine movement and the Society of Participatory Medicine where I am on the Executive Board.
Results:
Article tweeted and quoted in online blogs, newsletters and other online communities. Article cited in a consumer publication on Electronic Health Records, issued by ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services)
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
None
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Become well grounded in the participatory medicine movement. Good resources for this area of health care include resources from ONC, HHS, CMS. Key provider organizations who foster patient engagement include VA, Kaiser Permanente, Group Health of Seattle. Research organization resources include California Health Foundation, PEW, Forrester Research, the blog, epatients.net, my blog, www.healthcarebasicsinfolcom.