The Function of Consumer Health Information Centers in Hospitals Submitted by Felicia A. Smith, Health Learning Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL Consumer health information centers in hospitals serve an important function. Hospitals are prime locations to optimize patient and family education, as well as provide instantaneous access to and for clinicians. Health information is abundant, especially on the Internet.
Information centers evaluate data for quality assurance.
These centers empower consumers with information, enabling them to make informed decisions. Belief systems do not have to be testable, but scientific research does. Information centers ensure that consumers are provided with tested, reliable information. There is a debate about the practical and ethical dilemmas concerning distribution of consumer health information. Information centers use resources appropriate for the consumers' comprehension levels and spend time ascertaining exactly what the consumers' needs are.