Tools for Engaging Patients on Patient Platforms: A Classification Framework.

This paper outlines a framework for identifying and classifying different types of patient engagement tools, available on online patient platforms, according to the flow of information and patient engagement concepts. We demonstrate the application of the framework using data collected from a purposive sample of eleven patient platforms, stratified by various attributes (for-profit/not-for-profit, single/multiple conditions, different conditions). This framework can help health care organizations in better understanding the processes supported by various tools, and thereby determining better ways to engage patients using web-based Platforms.