Page 39 - Health Literacy, eHealth, and Communication: Putting the Consumer First: Workshop Summary

Health Literacy, eHealth, and Communication: Putting the Consumer First: Workshop Summary

HeALtH LiteRACY, eHeALtH, AnD CoMMUniCAtion

various populations respond to the various programs. It will be possible
to determine whether individuals learn better from people like them-
selves. It will even be possible to measure variables over time because
each time the system is accessed there is a time stamp and information
on what modules are being accessed.
One participant suggested that the public library is a good place for
people to learn to use technology as well as to learn basic information
about health. In the United States, public libraries are accessible to almost
everyone. Furthermore, Arizona has a fantastic Arizona Health Informa-
tion Network.
Another participant suggested that non-English-speaking popula-
tions may not generally begin their searches on home computers. She
asked Rodgers whether anyone has looked at the health information
searching behavior of this population, including how they use the public
library. Are there community intermediaries that can help?
Rodgers responded that AHCCCS has looked at this issue and that
there are a number of community organizations that are willing to coop-
erate with them, such as libraries and schools that are willing to give
computer access to parents. To date, however, AHCCCS has not had any
product to provide access to. Eventually access will be provided not only
in the physicians’ offices, the clinics, and the hospitals, but also in a num-
ber of other places as well.
The key is for individuals to know when and for what they should
access the internet. AHCCCS wants to have its beneficiaries fill out a
health assessment as soon as they become eligible for services. Ultimately,
the idea is to put the application online so that as they apply, they also fill
out a health assessment form which will immediately provide informa-
tion to the health plan that has never before been available.
One participant said that she sees health literacy as patient-centric.
Most eHealth initiatives, however, appear to be provider-centric and
motivated by costs. The main reason for increasing the efficiency of those
systems appears to be recouping costs. At the Medicaid level, a very dif-
ferent system is driving eHealth. Here the issue is population health and
how it can be improved, which is a more patient-centric approach. How
can those motivated by costs be convinced to care about a patient-centric
approach to eHealth?
Marchibroda responded that Rodgers’ description of what is happen-
ing in Arizona makes her wish this was the case across the country. The
reality is, however, that most current initiatives do not connect with the
consumer. When one examines community-based initiatives, for example,
only 4 percent are connecting with consumers. There are many barriers
to connecting with consumers, including lack of a business case and con-
cerns about liability, privacy, and confidentiality.

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