FRIDAY, SEPT. 12, 2014
9:15 a.m.
Victor J. Strecher, PhD, MPH, University of Michigan

Effectively engaging consumers in healthy behavior change is critical to both their health and well-being. Healthy behavior modifications and the personal choices people make for themselves have a profound influence on the state of their health. The increasing prevalence of largely preventable chronic conditions and the suboptimal use of health care resources are strongly influenced by the behavioral choices made by consumers. While most people know what they need to do to improve their health, more often than not, they fall short when it comes to taking effective action. This session will discuss the powerful forces that impede the achievement of health care goals.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the barriers that impede the achievement of health care goals.
2. Identify communication and engagement strategies that engage and empower consumers to change their behaviors and become active participants in their health care.
3. State the potential impact on the incidence of chronic conditions when effective consumer engagement is utilized to empower consumers to be active in their health care.