The opportunity for individuals to participate more actively in the management of their health is being realized by the rapid growth of health information technologies (HIT). Beyond broad and comprehensive provision of Internet-based resources, increasing interoperability of electronic health record systems (EHR) are providing consumers with the means to know more about their specific health conditions and status. A recent analysis of 224 electronic patient engagement studies spanning upwards of 20 years identified that people were more likely to adopt heart healthy behaviors when guided by resources and services delivered by the Internet, their cellphones and related technologies.

Engaging, educating, and increasing the degree to which patients are more active participants in managing their care is challenging for the largest health systems, much less small practices and community health centers. Fortunately, an increasing number of technologies and information services are providing Health Centers with tools that can assist in this effort. Personal health information technologies, which are composed of various mediums that include personal health record systems (PHR), mobile health (mHealth) tools and a myriad of health apps and medical device technologies, provide consumers the ability to monitor and manage their health based on real time or near real time data. By facilitating patient use of these tools it is possible that patients will feel more empowered to take an active role toward managing their health needs. It is expected that transition to a model of patient-centered care through the use of personal health technologies and systems will not only assist in increased health outcomes for patients but decrease the burden on already strained community health services.

This resource set will provide Health Centers with tools and strategies for engaging patients via patient portals, social media, mobile health tools and other emerging technologies. Although these technologies are somewhat underutilized today, especially within Health Center settings, it is expected that they will soon empower individuals to be more active in managing their heath and being an active participant in their health system.