What is Patient Activation

This chapter will explore the possibilities and the challenges presented by technology in the area of patient education. Beginning with an overview of the use of the medical record in patient care, the chapter will move on to discuss the evolution of electronic health records (EHR) and the emergence of health information technology in the education of patients. Emerging technologies, the primary care physician's role in creating tailored education plans for their patients, as well as the importance of self-directness in learning both for the physician and the patient will also be discussed. The chapter will conclude with an overview of information and health literacy and how these impact shared-decision making and patient activation (the ability to be engaged in one's own health care). The overall goal of the chapter is to present how physicians and patients can use technology in order to facilitate better patient care and improve patient outcomes.