Patient Engagement Case Study

Patient engagement is the communication between the patient and their healthcare provider. Patient engages in the contribution to making better decisions regarding their health and maintaining the ability to communicate with their healthcare provider on decisions made to achieve better health. The use of patient portals has increased over the years. Patient portals have been a great addition to the healthcare industry. With the increase of technology uses and the availability of having healthcare medical information being documented through electronic health information system it has been valuable in providing well organized and detailed information available to patients health. It helps patients review in their own health in their convenience

Healthcare information management (HIM) professionals analyze and collect patient data, they ensure privacy, accuracy in managing and maintaining patient records and reports. Healthcare information management professionals are both skilled in information technology and management, they have the ability to sponsor and encourage the usage of EHRs and PHRs. Patients who are also consumers of the use of PHRs have been reported to have barriers in the usage of these technologies and have concerns about the privacy and security of their information. With HIM professionals they have the acquired skills to train others and reach out to those who are in disadvantaged and underserved areas who aren’t familiar or don’t have the proper accessibility and have limited resources to access health literacy and information needed to adapt to EHRs and PHRs. Healthcare Information Management (HIM) professionals have been recognized by AHIMA in defining the concept of electronic health information management in order to encourage the use of an electronic health record, how medical records and health information is managed and quality improved information management.

PHR is provided to help patients utilize the use of electronic portals to gain access to important health information and keep track of their health. Healthcare providers can connect better with their patients and families by engaging through the introduction of electronic healthcare environments like that of EHRs and PHRS. With engagement, they can connect in many ways like patient portal, social media, and online forums. Healthcare information management professionals are also responsible for guarding patient privacy and security of their health information. As stated by HIPPA, “the federal regulation commands the confidentiality guidelines, policies, and procedures of the privacy and security of health information to healthcare providers and patients.