http://blogs.technet.com/neupertonhealth/archive/2009/03/27/connect-consumers-with-meaningful-use.aspxThe current hot, behind-the-scenes, debate in HIT is around how “meaningful use” of HIT will be defined for purposes of the incentive payments provided in the HiTech portion of ARRA . Since there is a lot of money at stake and a lot of interested stakeholders,en-USCommunityServer 2.1 SP1 (Build: 61025.2)http://blogs.technet.com/neupertonhealth/archive/2009/03/27/connect-consumers-with-meaningful-use.aspx#3219808Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:54:20 GMTd5e57398-b9ef-4490-9955-07cbb4e4a80d:3219808John Murphy<p>You cannot track outcomes, or any quality improvement for that matter, if you cannot measure it. &nbsp;Measurement requires standards for comparison. &nbsp;Standards require structure. &nbsp;Too much of existing electronic records do not provide for structured data. &nbsp;Patient records, documentation and reporting need to be captured in a structured, preferably relational, database. &nbsp;It all starts with standards and the capture of structured data. &nbsp;Other industries learned this decades ago. </p>http://blogs.technet.com/neupertonhealth/archive/2009/03/27/connect-consumers-with-meaningful-use.aspx#3220983Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:02:47 GMTd5e57398-b9ef-4490-9955-07cbb4e4a80d:3220983Brian Baum<P>“Meaningful use”, “value”, “outcomes” – all powerful concepts to be sure and unfortunately, all subjective terms with varied definitions depending on the audience. &nbsp;Talk to a physician about outcomes or value and the definition is likely to be far different than that provided by the average health consumer. &nbsp;However, the point of view that any definition of meaningful use must include deference to the consumer is quite profound. &nbsp;One could project that the only reason the collective health system, in fact health “care” itself exists, is to provide care for the health consumer. &nbsp;It seems as though the future of health care must get back to the roots of the consumer. &nbsp;How do we transition from a world of passive consumer participation in managing their health, to an active one? &nbsp;A foundation for that transition must be information - accurate, timely, highly reliable and personalized information. &nbsp;Further, that information must be available whenever and wherever the consumer needs it to ensure optimal care – be it a chronic, acute or preventive application. &nbsp; This “information foundation” is the basis of the transformation of virtually every other aspect of our day to day lives, where information technology has had an impact. &nbsp;If the automation of information in health care is to have true benefit, this focus is essential. &nbsp;Value through the lens of the consumer is solving problems – making life easier. &nbsp;Is there anything that automating personal health information may accomplish to that end? &nbsp;The issue may be that from a consumer point of view the bar in health care is so low that the industry is trying too hard. &nbsp;People have been “aging” since the beginning of time. &nbsp;Yet to a large degree, each person experiences it as if it has never occurred before. &nbsp;Can health IT, provide some relief? &nbsp; Potentially help an individual “risk assess” themselves – understand of all the potential health conditions that may challenge them – which ones to pay particular attention to? &nbsp;Frame proactive steps they can take to mitigate risks. &nbsp;Present therapeutic alternatives to them for their conditions, allowing them to have a more informed and productive discussion with their care provider. &nbsp; The foundation is information – highly personalized information. &nbsp;By engaging consumers in the process, we leverage a certain market dynamic that increasingly and naturally seeks greater efficiency, services and solutions.</P>