Which action aligns with Healthy People 2020 information access objective related to electronic health management tools?

• A. Use Paper Records Only.
• B. Limit Client Access to Information.
• C. Use Electronic Personal Health Management Tools.
• D. Discourage Sharing of Health Information.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that giving patients access to and control over their health information through electronic personal health management tools improves engagement and self-management. Healthy People 2020 aims to broaden consumers’ access to electronic health information and encourage the use of digital tools to track health data, share information with providers, and participate in care decisions. Using electronic personal health management tools directly supports timely, convenient access to records, test results, medications, and appointment data, and it also facilitates safer, more coordinated care when patients can share information as appropriate.

Choosing an approach that relies only on paper records limits access and timeliness, while trying to restrict or discourage sharing of information runs counter to the goal of empowering patients and improving care coordination.