Consumer technology may improve health outcomes

Consumer health information technology tools hold "significant" promise for improving outcomes across a variety of diseases and health conditions, according to research conducted for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The study, published Oct. 22, shows that the use of consumer informatics had the strongest influence on clinical outcomes for management of mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Patients used Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy, computerized stress management systems and interactive self-help stress management programs. The technologies also contributed to self management of consumer behavior related to health conditions, most notably in outcomes that targeted smoking cessation. They encouraged communication between physician and patient and shared decision-making, the study said. Among the consumer health informatics tools examined were interactive Web sites, computer-generated tailored feedback applications, personal monitoring devices, laptops, smart phones/personal digital assistants and cell phones.