Supporting Client and Family Engagement in Care Through the Planning and Implementation of an Online Consumer Health Portal

Abstract

Web-based portals and electronic health records are making it easier for clients and families to access health information. This improved transparency and access to information has the potential to promote activation and improve outcomes, but to realize these benefits, the information needs to be valuable, meaningful, and understandable. Engagement of the end users in the planning and implementation will ensure that the product meets the needs of the consumers. The purpose of this case study is to describe the client and family engagement strategies that were employed to support the process of planning and implementing an online consumer health portal at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital to support the successful launch of this new information-sharing technology platform.