Cross-cultural factors necessary to enable design of flexible consumer health informatics systems (CHIS)

Examples from on-going work are analyzed to point out cross-cultural factors that need consideration as they are likely to influence the design of consumer health information systems (CHIS). Tailored and flexible presentation of information, appropriate communication services and access to health information can contribute to CHIS use in diverse local and international contexts. It is argued that being mindful of socio-cultural environments, age groups, and health conditions will enhance design and use of CHIS. This will augment current approaches by developing more suitable and culturally sensitive CHIS.