HealthAware: Lessons Learned in Developing a Consumer/Patient Information Portal for a Health Care System

PROJECT DESCRIPTION HealthAware is a Web-based information resource designed for consumers to provide health, wellness, and health care content. Unlike many consumer health sites, HealthAware seeks to “close the loop” when the need for care arises. This is achieved by providing locally developed content as well as more generic materials, interactive risk-assessment tools yielding recommendations for referral, and a resource locator that facilitates identifying a provider through a local health care provider network; requesting an appointment; and finding local educational opportunities, support groups, and other resources. Thus, HealthAware is intended to function as a consumer/patient portal for a health care enterprise.