Table 1.
Types of health information technology and applications used by session participants to engage communities in research and education. Participants of the session (n=30) indicated which approaches they were currently using through a show of hands, which were tabulated by the session organizer. The education and research goals for using these HIT approaches were also tabulated
| Examples of HIT | Uses | Current Users in Think Tank session* [n –individuals (%total users)] |
|---|---|---|
| Surveys and data collection tools (4,5) | Tailored educational feedback based on results; improving interactions between community health workers and community members; collecting data from large populations; collaborations from multiple organizations on survey design and instruments. | 7 (23%) |
| Electronic health records and personal health records (patient registries, Web portals(6), community clinic data (3) | Access to health records; community surveillance; increase statistical power of research studies; creation of patient support networks; tailored education to patients | 7 (23%) |
| Geographic Information System (GIS), Geomapping (15–21), and Data in Graphical Formats (e.g. Tinkerplots) | Distribution of resources, networks and/or relationships displayed across local, regional statewide areas; surveillance of community health issues and health disparities; rapid visualization of data trends | 6 (20%) |
| Social media and networking (7–10) (Facebook, Twitter, Skype, instant messaging, texting) | Reminders of health meetings, classes, appointments, or taking medication; delivering inspirational or coaching messages; interacting with community health workers; delivery of health/ public health information | 5 (17%) |
| Other [clinical trial recruitment registries (22, 23), websites and web portals (2, 6), online training workshops and webinars (24), biolibraries and biobanks (genomic, tissue, and data) (25)] | Provide access to individuals interested in future research studies; providing education and patient information related to health issues and diseases; train individuals in research and education; increase capacity for future research. | 4 (13%) |
| How are these being applied to community engagement efforts? | ||
| Research goals | 7 (23%) | |
| Education goals (2) | 4 (13%) | |
| Both (3–5) | 6 (20%) |
*
Participants could respond to multiple categories.