Information therapy: health education one person at a time

Targeted and timely health information is a key part of helping patients achieve their behavior change and disease management goals. However, most health professionals rely on inefficient systems (office hours only) and outmoded technologies (mouth to ear) to transfer information to patients. Often, patients are left on their own to track down health information relevant to them. Information therapy, the prescription of specific evidence-based medical information to specific patients at just the right time to help them make specific health decisions or behavior changes, will ensure patients and providers overcome these obstacles. Embedding evidence-based information within the process of care further ensures patients and their families become more knowledgeable and involved in their care. This article outlines what constitutes prescription-strength information, three critical elements needed to deliver information prescriptions, opportunities for information prescriptions within the continuum of care, and the impact information therapy could have on the health education profession.