CONSUMER INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT AND USE

The availability of informational materials to aid consumer health car e purchasing decisions is increasing. Organizations developing and dis seminating materials include public- and private-sector employers, pro viders, purchasing cooperatives, State agencies, counseling programs, and accreditation bodies. Based on case study interviews with 24 organ izations, we learned that 10 included consumer satisfaction ratings an d Performance measures based on medical records, An additional four or ganizations developed materials with consumer satisfaction ratings exc lusively. Printed materials were the most common medium used to convey information to consumers. However, other mechanisms for conveying the information were also employed. On the whole, the materials have not been rigorously evaluated. Evaluations are needed to determine of cons umers find the information useful and how different individuals prefer to receive the information.