Participatory Healthcare Informatics Visit the National Center F ✓ Solved

Topic: Participatory Healthcare Informatics Visit the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website and read the article “The Impact of Health Literacy on a Patient’s Decision to Adopt a Personal Health Record.” Using 600 words, provide a summary of your findings and any insights you have gained in the review of the information. APA format. Each thread and reply must include at least 1 biblical integration and 2 peer-reviewed source citations in current APA format in addition to the textbooks.

Paper For Above Instructions

In recent years, the intersection of healthcare and information technology has gained significant attention, leading to the rise of participatory healthcare informatics. This branch of informatics emphasizes the active involvement of patients in their health management through the use of personal health records (PHRs). A pivotal article that sheds light on this topic is “The Impact of Health Literacy on a Patient’s Decision to Adopt a Personal Health Record,” published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This summary encapsulates the key findings of the article, along with insights that emerged from the review of the information.

The article posits that health literacy plays a crucial role in a patient's willingness to adopt PHRs. Health literacy is defined as an individual’s ability to access, understand, and utilize health information to make informed health decisions (McCaffery et al., 2016). The authors argue that patients with higher health literacy are more likely to see PHRs as valuable tools in managing their health, as they can comprehend the information presented and actively engage in their healthcare processes.

One of the significant findings highlighted in the article is that low health literacy is associated with decreased usage of PHRs. Patients who struggle to understand medical terminology, treatment options, and the functionalities of PHRs may hesitate to adopt such technologies. The authors cite studies indicating that individuals with limited health literacy may not perceive the benefits of using PHRs, resulting in lower engagement levels and ultimately poorer health outcomes (Berkman et al., 2011).

Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies aimed at enhancing health literacy, particularly among populations with historically lower health literacy levels, including the elderly and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. By improving health literacy, healthcare providers can empower patients, enhancing their ability to engage with PHRs and supporting better health management (McCoy et al., 2016).

Another noteworthy insight from the article relates to the type of information presented within PHRs. The authors advocate for the inclusion of clear, concise, and jargon-free instructions for patients. Ensuring that the information is easily understandable can significantly affect a patient's decision to use a PHR. Moreover, patient education initiatives should accompany PHR implementation, targeting the development of skills necessary for effective navigation of health information (Ratzan & Parker, 2000).

Educational interventions may include workshops or digital tutorials, which are essential in guiding patients through the process of using PHRs. Additionally, integrating user-friendly platforms that are easily accessible on various devices can further enhance the patient experience, encouraging active participation in their health management (Siegel et al., 2018).

The article also brings to light the psychological aspect of adopting PHRs. Patients' perceptions of their own health literacy significantly influence their confidence in using PHRs. Those who feel capable and knowledgeable are more likely to engage with the technology. Hence, fostering a positive self-efficacy regarding health literacy can serve as a catalyst for increased usage of PHRs (Bandura, 1997).

An essential component of participatory healthcare informatics is the role of healthcare providers. Providers can mitigate barriers to PHR adoption by offering continuous support to patients, particularly during the initial stages of using a PHR. This support can take the form of personalized guidance, whereby providers assist patients in navigating their PHR, thus demonstrating the practical benefits firsthand (López et al., 2017).

From a biblical perspective, the concept of stewardship is paramount in the context of participatory healthcare. The Bible encourages individuals to take an active approach in managing their health, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we must honor God with our bodies. By adopting PHRs, patients can embrace their role as stewards of their health, thus aligning with biblical values of responsibility and care for one’s body.

In conclusion, the NCBI article on “The Impact of Health Literacy on a Patient’s Decision to Adopt a Personal Health Record” provides valuable insights into how health literacy influences the acceptance and use of PHRs. By acknowledging the barriers presented by health literacy complications and promoting educational initiatives, healthcare stakeholders can boost patient engagement and empower individuals to take charge of their health. As participatory healthcare continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be critical in fostering improved health outcomes for diverse populations.

References

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.

  • Berkman, N. D., DeWalt, D. A., Sheridan, S., Lohr, K. N., & Pignone, M. P. (2011). Health literacy interventions and outcomes: An updated systematic review. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 199. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

  • McCaffery, K. J., et al. (2016). Health literacy and the role of the health literacy framework in the adaptation of interventions for diverse populations. Health Literacy Research and Practice.

  • McCoy, L., Theeke, L. A., & Wren, A. A. (2016). The importance of health literacy in managing chronic conditions. Health Affairs.

  • Ratzan, S. C., & Parker, R. M. (2000). Introduction: National library of medicine perspective on health literacy. In National Library of Medicine (Ed.), Health literacy (pp. 1-3).

  • Siegel, D. A., et al. (2018). User-centered design of a personal health record for senior patients. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(4).

  • López, L., et al. (2017). Helping patients navigate personal health records: A simple clerical intervention. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(2), 215-221.