Character of Consumer Health Informatics -- Economy 1: Demographics and health workforce -- Hazards in search of health information -- ICT enhanced services -- Virtual providers -- Patient wisdom leveraged -- Mobile apps -- Patient safety 1 -- Metabolic syndrome -- Potential of basic SMS and IVR technology -- Smart homes -- Patient safety 2 -- Privacy and data protection --Patient-centered records and portals -- Clinical trial methodology -- Economy 2: Sustainability and scalability -- Law and ethics.

This book reveals health informatics as it applies to the interaction between medicine and patient. It defines the subject and provides a comprehensive discussion of the factors at play. Consumer Health Informatics represents the most current review of the field. The authors have written a principled account of the subject, discussing opportunities and risks, methods for safety, effectiveness, human comprehension and literacy, and have identified examples underlining the central arguments and illustrating the methods. "At a time when healthcare worldwide is facing the stress of an aging population and rising costs, many are turning to consumers with the hope that if they can be empowered and engaged in their own care, good outcomes will result. Dr Wetter's book provides a roadmap for all who believe that technology will play an important role in this redesign of healthcare. This book is both ambitious in scope yet comprehensive and a must read for all who want to practice or understand how our citizens could use information and communication technology to improve their health and the health of their families." Charles Safran "Engaging with the consumer to partner with them on their health journey is no longer just a noble idea for health professionals - it is a pragmatic necessity. Technology, when well designed, can make that partnership a powerful and effective one. This book provides a definitive, up to date and rigorous overview of this import ant, but still emerging field of consumer health informatics.