Patient as center of the health care universe: a closer look at patient-centered care.

We need to consider how the health care system should revolve around the patient, rather than the patient rotating around the hospital. Considering a patient-centric point of view when implementing and optimizing the use of health information technology (HIT) provides new perspectives on the meaning of "integrated" health care. ot only do we need to give patients the opportunities to participate as true partners in their health care, we must convince them why this partnership makes sense. We should not be naive and believe all patients want this involvement in their care today and are ready to do all their health care transactions electronically. But considering and using these practices are important steps in the health care reform journey to improve quality and decrease cost. Many patients will benefit by our working with them to demystify the health care experience through patient-centric practices and the use of HIT.