Evaluation of different features of an eHealth application for personalized illness management support: cancer patients' use and appraisal of usefulness.

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to describe patients' use of a multi-component eHealth application, WebChoice, designed to support cancer patients in illness management. With WebChoice patients can monitor their symptoms, obtain individually tailored, evidence-based self-management support, ask questions to a clinical nurse specialist, communicate with other patients in a Forum, and use a diary.

Methods: To better understand what components were most helpful, we analyzed user logs of breast and prostate cancer patients who participated in the experimental arm of an RCT to test effects of WebChoice on clinical outcomes.

Understanding behavioral intent to participate in shared decision-making in medically uncertain situations.

Objective: This article describes the process undertaken to identify and validate behavioral and normative beliefs and behavioral intent based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and applied to men between the ages of 45 and 70 in the context of their participation in shared decision-making (SDM) in medically uncertain situations. This article also discusses the preliminary results of the aforementioned processes and explores potential future uses of this information that may facilitate greater understanding, efficiency and effectiveness of clinician-patient consultations.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-five male subjects from the Philadelphia community participated in this study.

Developing a conceptual map of patient information needs in prostate cancer screening.

As the prevalence of shared decision-making increases as part of the patient-clinician relationship, patient needs for information become critical aspects of preventative care and treatment decisions. It has been shown that patients who have relevant information about healthcare options make choices and decisions which are more consistent with their personal values. This is especially useful when considering the various options regarding prostate cancer screening, (PCS).

Determining business models for financial sustainability in regional health information organizations (RHIOs): a review.

Regional health information organizations (RHIOs) have the potential to alleviate today's health care problems by granting providers access to a supported body of clinical information for all patients in a given region. While the promise of and enthusiasm for RHIOs is immense, the issue of their financial sustainability remains unclear. It has been said that the business model supporting a regional or national health information network is as essential, if not more essential, than the technology that makes it feasible.

Telemedicine for urban uninsured: a pilot framework for specialty care planning for sustainability.

A national approach to medical care for the uninsured is for the provision of primary and preventive care through Community Health Centers. Access to specialty care for both Medicaid and uninsured patients is in decline even though specialty care has been shown to be cost-effective and improve outcomes. The consequences could result in further deterioration of the health of the uninsured and underinsured populations and increasing costs born by the insured and safety net providers.

Determining business models for financial sustainability in regional health information organizations: a literature review.

While the promise and enthusiasm for regional health information organizations (RHIOs) are immense, a significant issue regarding this type of health information exchange, (HIE) remains unclear: financial sustainability. As of today, there is a clear lack of concrete business models implemented in RHIOs' projects. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review of the current state of RHIOs adaptation and implementation of business models for successful financial sustainability, as well as evaluate existing RHIOs financial situation to determine and recommend best models for economic uphold.

Building blocks to adopting a pay-for-performance model.

Pay for performance (P4P) is a payment approach used in healthcare that is based on clinical information-driven reform. The fundamental concept of this method is to tie payment to how well providers comply to practice standards. This article will analyze those concepts including the essential building blocks, models, and selected programs of P4Ps, as well as information technology's impact on P4Ps.

Pros and cons of healthcare information technology implementation: the pros win.

Countless studies and investigations have been performed siding either for or against the implementation of technology in the healthcare setting. This article presents both sides of this debate, with an obvious conclusion that the pros of this debate win. The practice of information technology in the medical domain lags behind its knowledge and discovery by at least 7 years.