Considering quality: engaging consumers to make better health care decisions

On May 19, 2005, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) convened nearly 50 grantmakers and leaders in the field of health care quality to discuss the challenges inherent in developing quality information, as well as how consumers use such information. This Issue Brief examines the potential of consumers to use information to select high-quality health services and to become drivers of quality improvement at the systems level. There are three broadly used mechanisms for connecting consumers to information: report cards on health plans and providers, decision support aides, and the Internet. Health foundations can play an important role in developing and disseminating quality information for consumers. They can support the development of quality indicators; assess the effectiveness of information technology, including the Internet; and fund advocacy efforts to ensure consumers have the information needed to make appropriate health care choices.