Patient Engagement

Over the past 10 years or more, information technology has markedly changed the treatment and care cancer patients receive today.

Think about how long four seconds is. One. Two. Three. Four. Done. It's no time at all, really. But for ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, it's more than enough time to do serious damage.

The Medical Group Management Association on Friday named its new president and chief executive officer -- a health system chief medical officer, former management consultant and best-selling author.

Consumers deeply immersed in digital technologies are beginning to demand more of healthcare providers.

All the technology in today's world cannot effectively close the gap between doctors and patients, until they understand each other much better. And that takes a little bit of neuroscience and a lot of finesse.

Despite ubiquitous information technology, patients and physicians still overwhelmingly rely on "tried-and-true" modes of communications, such as phone calls and in-person consults.

The patient engagement market is at a "standoff," according to a new Chilmark report. Providers are relying on vendors to lead the way with new tools, but those companies "have been reactive, not proactive" in helping them meet their needs.

Jan Oldenburg, author of Engage! Transforming Healthcare Through Digital Patient Engagement, discusses her book and the great opportunity for patient engagement in the rapidly evolving digital healthcare solutions and mHealth app markets.

Several major health insurers are part of a coalition that is promoting texting as a way to keep expectant women, new moms and their babies healthy.