Like many patients, Irene
needs help to share information
selectively with the people
in her life. For example, she
wants her friend to know what
her appointment is for and what to expect during the
appointment; meanwhile, she wants to notify her
supervisor only that she will be out of the office at a
particular time.
Patients need tools that address these challenges
and enable them to be involved in their health care, as
well as to meet the responsibilities of their daily lives.
For cancer patients, studies have shown that patients
who effectively manage their personal health information
are able to use the information to adjust to the
stresses and responsibilities associated with their cancer
experience [3]. Participation in one’s own health
care is also associated with favorable health outcomes
and decreased demand for health services [10].