Critical Junctures Institute–Notes
July 16, 2008 by marc
We in Whatcom County, Washington have been collaborating for years to improve the health of this community. Now we are setting a new course to join together in action research collaboratives We will create innovative socio-technical programs to focus on life style, prevention and chronic medical conditions.
The programs will focus on ”Six Aims” proposed by the Institute of Medicine . THe IOM suggests that health care should be safe, effective, efficient, equitable, person-centered and timely. Safe and effective simply mean that we do the “right things”. Efficient promotes care processes that are affordable. Equitable requires that care is affordable for everyone. Person-centered means that it is meaningful and usable by each individual. Timely means that it is available when needed and when sought.
We will focus or initial learning and research programs on personal health technology and social marketing. We will strive to understand the social networks which help or hinder individuals and groups in improving their life styles, their engagement in preventive health behaviors and screenings, as well as what helps and hinders their use of new personal health tools including personal health records and home monitoring devices.
Stay tuned.
