Information Therapy - The Use of Technology in Information Therapy

The Use of Technology in Information Therapy

While information therapy can be delivered through low-tech techniques, such as handing out information pamphlets or sending them through the post, the advent of new technologies has enabled clinicians and health systems to more efficiently and effectively deliver information therapy over a variety of mediums.

Technologies such as electronic medical record systems, order entry systems, and the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs), are all examples of electronic infrastructures that can deliver information therapy to consumers. By attaching "information triggers" to these systems, tailored, customized information prescriptions can be automatically sent to either a patient’s email account or to a secure patient portal. As the patient experiences new symptoms, conditions or other health issues, the provider can respond with specific prescriptions of information. Furthermore, the user can track information that can be useful for managing chronic disease.