Toward a definition of Information Therapy.

In these days of healthcare reform, there is an increasing need to control the costs of medical care. Preventive medical care can help by providing information to the patient, not only for illnesses, but for prevention and wellness. "Information Therapy" is a new term for supplying patients with health information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and care, participate in their own well-being, and thus decrease the utilization of healthcare resources. The formal definition for Information Therapy is presented and the basis for defining it lies in bibliotherapy, patient education, consumer health trends, patient's rights, and the Freedom of Information Act. The parameters and coverage of Information Therapy are discussed, the roles that Information Therapy can play in healthcare are explored, and the dual nature of its goals is presented. Barriers to its implementation are listed, however, the electronic age with its information superhighways is expected to provide a unique delivery system for Information Therapy.