title: Consumer empowerment versus consumer populism in healthcare IT.
abstract: Institutions, providers, and informaticians now encourage healthcare consumers to take greater control of their own healthcare needs through improved health and wellness activities, internet-based education and support groups, and personal health records. The author believes that "untethering" all of these activities from provider-based record systems has introduced a form of unhealthy consumer populism. Conversely, integrating these activities in a coordinated manner can sustain both consumer empowerment and consumer well-being.
authors.affiliation: dsimborg@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: Donald W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Simborg
mesh_terms: D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055991:Health Records, Personal; D006801:Humans; D008498:Medical Record Linkage; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D014481:United States