Thomas Goetz: It's time to redesign medical data

TL;DR

By presenting personalized information in a clear and engaging way, patients can be empowered to make better choices and improve their health.

Transcript

I'm going to be talking to you about how we can tap a really underutilized resource in health care, which is the patient, or, as I like to use the scientific term, people. Because we are all patients, we are all people. Even doctors are patients at some point. So I want to talk about that as an opportunity that we really have failed to engage with ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔑 Behavior change is a long-standing problem in medicine, and doctors have struggled to effectively address it, particularly when it comes to engaging patients.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can personalized health information empower patients to make better decisions?

By presenting health information in a personalized and engaging way, patients can better understand their health and the choices available to them, leading to more informed decision making. This empowers patients to take control of their health and make positive changes.

Q: Why is personalized information more effective than fear-based messaging?

Fear-based messaging may grab attention, but it often does not lead to sustained behavior change. Personalized information, on the other hand, helps individuals understand how their choices impact their own health, making them more likely to take action. By presenting information in a way that is relevant and relatable, patients are more likely to feel empowered and motivated to make positive changes.

Q: How can lab test reports be redesigned to make them more accessible to patients?

Lab test reports can be redesigned to provide clear and concise information, using color-coded visuals to highlight results and personalized risk measurements. By providing explanations of what the results mean and possible actions patients can take, they are better equipped to understand and act upon the information.

Q: Why is engaging patients and giving them access to their health information important?

Engaging patients and giving them access to their health information is important because it puts them at the center of their own healthcare decision-making process. When patients have a better understanding of their health and are actively involved in decision making, they are more likely to make choices that lead to improved outcomes and overall well-being.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Traditional approaches to behavior change in healthcare have largely failed to engage patients.

• Dentistry has effectively used behavior change strategies, demonstrating the importance of personalization and empowerment.

• Personalizing health information, such as drug facts boxes or redesigned lab test reports, can help patients understand their health and make informed decisions.