Improving patient-physician communication through health information technology with tablet personal computers

Patient education programs can empower patients to play a more active role in their health care by providing them with the tools to communicate effectively and confidently with their health care providers. Better communications can produce improved health outcomes for patients and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. One study found that physicians provided more thorough diagnostic testing to African-American patients only when the patients were assertive and explicitly informed the doctor of their concerns and desire to know all of the treatment options available to them. Yet, programs to increase patients' knowledge of the best ways to access appropriate care and participate in treatment decisions are rarely tested. The goals of this project are to: (1) increase the understanding among minority populations of various medical conditions; (2) increase the role of patients in their own self-management; (3) reduce care disparities; and (4) increase patient satisfaction with physician visits. To achieve these goals, the project will administer an intake form via tablet personal computers to patients at the onset of their visits to physicians in a federally qualified health center. The results of this questionnaire will be used to help guide patients through issues they might discuss with their physicians.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $74,851.00

Awarded on: 1/25/2007

Time frame: 12/15/2006 - 6/30/2008

Grant Number: 58279