The Comparison Analysis of Opinions towards the Concept of Consumer Health Informatics among Korean and American Health Informatics Academic Society Members

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Consumer Health is an increasingly important research area within health informatics, however, it is as yet not a well recognized discipline. The purpose of this study was obtaining consensus on a definition and description of Consumer Health among members of health informatics related society in Korea and the United States. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENT: The Consumer Health Informatics? Working Group's Survey of Definitions of Consumer Health Informatics was administered via the World Wide Web in English and Korean. RESULTS: Differences found between two groups were opinions on the definition of Consumer Health and in recognition of importance for related disciplines. CONCLUSION: Visions and recommendations for the future of Consumer Health are provided.