People are losing faith in institutions and turning instead to each other electronically for guidance, solace and information. Social networking on the Internet is growing in importance as consumers' preferred channel for health knowledge. Last year, 34% of Americans used social media to access health- and wellness-related information on the Web, according to a survey. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

Now that we have the technology to share patients' medical records with them, and they've made it clear that they want this access, it's time for the medical profession to change its traditions and make secrecy the exception, rather than the rule. By Ted Eytan, MD, MPH

As cell phones get "smarter" and software companies expand their health care offerings, smartphones such as BlackBerry, iPhone and other PDAs are increasingly becoming standard equipment in physicians' practices.  By Mohammad Al-Ubaydli

The key trends on display at this year's massive meeting of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society can be boiled down to three words: open, secure and, most importantly, consumer-centric.  By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

Many hospitals are using IT to collect a flood of clinical, financial and operational data; however, some are having trouble digesting this data in a timely and efficient manner. Business intelligence has a role to play in helping hospitals maximize data to lower costs and boost care. By David Katz, M.D., J.D.

While there are many credible online health Web sites, many consumers are not taking the time to turn a critical eye toward the sources they're using. Others are not going deep enough in their searches. This could be a recipe for bad health outcomes.  By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

While many in the health community support mandating adoption of certain forms of health IT, the practice isn't always the best or most practical solution. Where should we really be focusing our policy efforts in 2008? By Thomas H. Lee M.D.

Physicians will use more social media, consumers will take advantage of the variety of personal health record options, and more regional health information organizations will fall in 2008. Observers also can expect increased health information mobility, as well as continued political action on IT. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

New data from the National Research Corporation show that e-health behaviors can vary significantly based on a user's age, chronic conditions, insurance coverage and income. To be successful, Web-based health services must be easy to use, offer convenience and provide real value. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

The federal government continues to struggle to find a balance between its twin goals of health care transparency and protecting privacy. Regardless, the information-driven health movement will continue to drive forward -- with or without data from the federal government.  By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.

People with health insurance and Internet access are likely to research health information online, right? Not necessarily. Research finds that people who have medical insurance and visit physicians regularly are less likely to go online for medical advice or engage in other electronic health care activities, which calls into question certain assumptions about electronic health care consumers. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

Online communities are quickly becoming an important forum for patients and providers to share information about health care. There is a tremendous potential for business and social value in these communities, but it is uncertain whether these networks will experience long-term success.  By Thomas H. Lee M.D.

There is no single, agreed upon definition of Health 2.0 yet, but based on the overwhelming response to last month's conference on the topic, it's clear that the health IT community is embracing the concept of taking online tools like blogs and mashups and applying them to health care. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

When it comes to health care information, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt has the challenge of reconciling his desire for transparency with maintaining HHS' interest in keeping physician information private. However, as a result of a recent court case, Leavitt will be forced to choose between these two competing interests. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.

Many companies are looking to employees to take more responsibility for their health care management, and new consumer tools are being developed to help ease this process. But are consumers even interested in these tools? Billions of dollars are hinging on that answer. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn