Enabling patient-centered communication and care through health information technology

Abstract

Advances in communication science and developments in health information technology coupled with recent health reform initiatives have created unique opportunities for progressing toward a patient-centered healthcare system in the US. We propose a conceptual framework to describe ways in which patient-centered communication may serve as a critical link in translating health information technology functionality into delivery of patient-centered care. In this context, health information technology may provide the infrastructure for patient-centered communication to enable delivery of patient-centered care. Key aspects of patient-centered communication and health information technology are reviewed and patient-centered care is described as emerging through health information technology-enabled patient-centered communication.

Keywords:

• Communication
• Health information technology
• Patient-centered care
• Patient-centered communication

Acknowledgments

Sarah Greene is a Senior Program Officer in the CER Methods and Infrastructure Program at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of PCORI.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lila J. Finney Rutten

Lila J. Finney Rutten is Associate Professor of Health Sciences Research at Mayo Clinic and Scientific Director of the Population Health Science Program in the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery at Mayo Clinic. Dr Rutten received her PhD in Psychology from Miami University of Ohio and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University.

Amenah A. Agunwamba

Amenah A. Agunwamba is a research fellow within the Health Sciences Research and Population Health Department at Mayo Clinic. Dr Agunwamba's research background is in social epidemiology, health disparities, health communications, and research methods. Dr Agunwamba received a BA in Biology from Carleton College, an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctorate of Science in Social Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Sarah M. Greene

Sarah M. Greene, MPH, is Senior Program Officer with the Methods and Infrastructure Program at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). She received both an MPH, with an emphasis in epidemiology, and a BA in Psychology and Italian from Indiana University.

Kathleen M. Mazor

Kathleen M. Mazor is Professor of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Assistant Director of the Meyers Primary Care Institute. Trained in psychometrics, she has extensive experience in developing and validating instruments to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in patients, providers, and healthcare leaders.

Jon O. Ebbert

Jon O. Ebbert is Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Population Health Science Program in the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery at Mayo Clinic. Dr Ebbert is board certified in both internal medicine and addiction medicine and has active clinical practices in both areas.

Jennifer L. St Sauver

Jennifer L. St Sauver received her Masters of Public Health and PhD in Epidemiology degrees from the University of Michigan. She is currently Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Mayo Clinic and Associate Scientific Director of the Population Health Science Program in the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery at Mayo Clinic.

James W. Dearing

James W. Dearing is Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. He received his PhD from the University of Southern California.