ABSTRACT
The 2001 Institute of Medicine (IOM) seminal report, Crossing the Quality Chasm , recommended fostering healthcare system innovation using consumer health information technology to transform the delivery of care. Surveys and interviews with patient and family users revealed the response to full sharing of electronic health records (EHR) was overwhelmingly positive. Respondents noted they had a greater understanding of their health conditions, improved communication with providers, and enhanced involvement in their care. The ability to save and share personal health data was also identified as an important need for patients, based on survey responses from My HealtheVet website visitors. The data file can then be printed or saved to a personal computer or portable device. Development continues across Internet, mobile, and point-of-service kiosk platforms. Feedback from patients, families, and clinicians, along with rigorous research and evaluation, are continuously incorporated into VA’s eHealth initiative to bring services of the highest value to Veterans across the country everywhere.
