Empowering consumers with improved immunization intelligence through technology and social frameworks

Abstract

Consumer engagement has emerged as a key factor contributing to improved health outcomes. Leveraging health information technology and social frameworks to provide consumers accurate and timely feedback offers the promise of better health. This chapter illustrates through historical evidence that individuals empowered with information are highly motivated, leading them to take actions that stem the spread of and eradicate preventable disease. It presents through applied practice a technical framework that links the health care community with consumers and through stories illustrates the value of public/private partnerships to engage consumers with their health records, specifically for immunizations. It concludes with the power of messaging and social media to extend individual involvement to engage larger communities and populations which returns full circle to the historical examples.