Establishing a framework of best practices for the effective use of patient-generated health data (PGHD) in research and care delivery is the focus of a two-year management consulting contract awarded to Accenture Federal Services by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).

Accenture’s work will address policy topics related to PGHD and identify best practices, gaps and opportunities for the collection and use of PGHD. Accenture will also oversee and coordinate pilot projects to test the implementation of topics identified in the policy framework.

“Our team is committed to working with ONC to determine the impact patient-generated health data can have as well as approaches to its implementation. Not only can patient-generated health data offer an opportunity to capture needed information for use during care with potential cost savings and improvements in quality, care coordination, and patient safety but it can provide a more comprehensive picture of ongoing patient health,” said Mary Edwards, who leads Accenture’s work with federal civilian health agencies.

PGHD includes a person’s health and treatment history, biometric data, symptoms and lifestyle choices. It is collected directly from patients in many ways – from surveys and structured questionnaires to wearable mobile technology devices including fitness trackers and smart watches.

As more people turn to new technologies to track and record this information, the need to establish policy guidelines to support and protect patient information is becoming urgent. ONC has identified PGHD as an important issue for advancing patient engagement. The PGHD policy framework project is a necessary step toward a long-term policy solution to protect patients and the integrity of their health records while maximizing the provider-patient relationship. The project is one in a portfolio of projects at ONC that address the data infrastructure needed for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR).

ONC is a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that supports the adoption of health information technology and the promotion of nationwide health information exchange to improve health care.

Accenture has supported ONC through various programs beginning in 2005 on the Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN), and since 2010 for the agency’s Standards and Interoperability Framework.

Accenture Federal Services is a U.S. company, with offices in Arlington, Va., and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture LLP. Accenture’s federal business has served every cabinet-level department and 30 of the largest federal organizations with clients at defense, intelligence, public safety, civilian and military health organizations.