ABSTRACT
Introduction Consumerism, the use of mobile and Internet technologies for health reasons, and personal involvement in healthcare decisions and self-management have grown exponentially over the past decade throughout the industrialized world.1,2 These trends are not due solely to advances in technology but are also, just as importantly, a result in countries that have defi ned “selfmanagement” and person-centered healthcare at the very core of their national health policy strategies.3-6 Many nations are fostering this “personal health management” trend as a way to achieve better outcomes and more cost-effective care delivery through consumer-centered, health ICT initiatives.7-9 This shift in health policy is based on solid research evidence that shows a strong correlation between patient engagement and participation in care decisions to improved health outcomes, quality, and costs.10-12 Concurrently, nations are working to raise the health literacy levels of their citizens and use of the Internet and electronic records technologies to enable their citizens to be informed and engaged in their healthcare. This will allow citizens to be active participants in their care decisions, as well as in the management of their health and disease state.13-16
This chapter examines the literature on self-management and consumer-engaged care models and the current state of personal health management technology and the implication for consumer-centered eHealth systems. The chapter rounds out the discussion with reference studies in the United States and Finland to demonstrate advances in this fi eld.
