Traditionally, health record was maintained by the hospital or managing physician. However, with the advent of managed care, health care service providers have had to keep patient's data in their custody. Moreover, in recent times, with the advent of smart phones, the potential for the client to generate personal health data has been made prominent. More than ever before, it is now possible for the health consumer to monitor their blood pressure intensively (for instance twice a day) and forward those details to their managing physician who, in turn, includes such information in the electronic health record of the individual (Lorig, 1996). More importantly, the physician is able to take informed decisions on behalf of the patient based on the information sent in by the patient (Lorig, 1996). There are also instances where the diabetic patient monitors their blood glucose levels including time of meals and forwards this information to the physician who also has the opportunity of taking timely decisions based on the data sent in by the patient (Lorig, 1996). the above illustrations show that in recent times, health care consumers have been privileged to take part in the management of their health condition by actively contributing to the decision making process (Lorig, 1996). This is evident from the above illustrations in which the patients were able to provide valuable information to the physician that led to decision being taken on the health of the consumer (Lorig, 1996).
Taking a look at another perspective, this shows that health care consumers are now capable of providing valuable data about themselves and their health condition to their health care service provider. This information will in turn be processed by the health care provider and this will aid the process of decision making on the health of the individual.
The information provided by the client no doubt has enough relevance to be included in the health records of the individual. However, the provider still has to contend with the legal issue of admissibility of such information into the records of the individual. This obstacle can be easily surmounted if rules are laid down about this issue. There should be standardization about disclosure in which the client discloses the source of the information being supplied to the health care provider. The health care provider should also reserve the right to question the veracity of any claim made by the client. However, it is important to explain the situation to the client in detail so that they do not feel offended that the health care service provider is questioning the integrity of the information supplied. Rather, the client should be made to realize that the exercise is rather to ensure the integrity of the information than questioning its integrity. This would remove any doubt on the part of the consumer that the health service provider is being vindictive.
The decision support system is no doubt bolstered by this novel way of obtaining information (Herrick, 2005). As stated earlier, the health service provider would be able to take informed decision about the health of the client. However, it is important to standardize the procedure of collection of such information in order to ensure the integrity of the information supplied by the client (Milbank, 2009), (Herrick, 2005). This will in turn lead to the best decision being taken by the individual as opposed to situations in which the client either supplies inaccurate or even incomplete information that might lead to detrimental decisions being taken on their health (Herrick, 2005).
In this model of care, the consumer becomes the centre of activity. The health care system now revolves around the activity of the consumer. This model is invariably empowering patients to take more active part in the management of their health conditions (Milbank, 2009). By being the source of information, the health care consumer feels more responsible for their health actions (or inactions), knowing full well that decision making would largely depend on the information provided by them. Moreover, this central role occupied by the health consumer also gives the consumer more empowerment and makes them feel more in control of their health, as opposed to a situation whereby physicians and health care service providers take the frontline in making decisions affecting the health of the client.
In conclusion, till date, literature search did not document the gains to patients with the advent of this novel patient-centered care model. Preliminary surveys have produced mixed results. While some individuals desire more information about their health and pursue this act vigorously, others see no reason in doing so because they often find the information to be confusing and they still need to turn to health care professionals to interpret this information to them. However, theoretically, a more patient-oriented care would no doubt give individuals who desire to take a more active role in the personal management of their health enough leverage to achieve their aim. The real gains however remain to be seen.
REFERENCES
Milbank Q. (2009). Consumer-oriented health care reform strategies: a review of the evidence on managed competition and consumer-directed health insurance. Dec;87(4):820-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-0009.2009.00580.x. retrieved on 12th August, 2013 from <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20021587>
D Herrick (2005). Consumer-Driven Health Care: The Changing Role of the Patient. National Center for Policy Analysis. retrieved on 12th August, 2013 from <http://www.ncpa.org/pub/st276>
Lorig K (1996). Chronic disease self-management: A model for tertiary prevention. Am Behav Sci.1996;39:676-683
