Exploring public perspectives on e-health: findings from two citizen juries

King, G., Heaney, D.J., Boddy, D., O'Donnell, C.A. , Clark, J.S. and Mair, F.S. (2011) Exploring public perspectives on e-health: findings from two citizen juries. Health Expectations, 14(4), pp. 351-360. (doi: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00637.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00637.x

Abstract

<b>Background </b>Interest and investment in e-health continue to grow world-wide, but there remains relatively little engagement with the public on this subject, despite calls for more public involvement in health-care planning.<p></p> <b>Design</b> This study used two modified citizen juries to explore barriers and facilitators to e-health implementation and the priorities for future e-health research from the perspective of health service users and lay representatives. Citizen juries bring together a group of people to deliberate over a specific issue. They are given information and invited to ‘cross-examine’ witnesses during the process.<p></p> <b>Results </b>Jurors were very keen for lay views to be included in e-health development and embraced the citizen jury approach. They agreed unanimously that e-health should be developed and thought it was in many ways inevitable. Although there was much enthusiasm for a health-care system which offered e-health as an option, there was as much concern about what it might mean for patients if implemented inappropriately. E-health was preferred as an enhancement rather than substitute for, existing services. Lack of universal access was seen as a potential barrier to implementation but problems such as lack of computer literacy were seen as a temporary issue. Participants emphasized that e-health research needed to demonstrate both clinical and economic benefits.<p></p> <b>Conclusion</b>  There was broad support from the citizen juries for the development of e-health, although participants stressed that e-health should enhance, rather than substitute, face-to-face services. One-day citizen juries proved a practical method of public engagement on this subject.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:O'Donnell, Professor Kate and Mair, Professor Frances and Boddy, Mr David and Clark, Miss Julia
Authors: King, G., Heaney, D.J., Boddy, D., O'Donnell, C.A., Clark, J.S., and Mair, F.S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Health Expectations
ISSN:1369-6513
Published Online:28 October 2010

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