Question

3. Literature reviews described in the chapter have purposes in practice as well as in research. Practitioners can use literature reviews to (1) develop evidence-based guidelines and curricula, (2) write policy (position) statements and white papers, and (3) conduct strategic planning. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) used a literature review to support its strategic planning and policymaking. The ONC wanted to create a model and a policy framework that showed how health information technologies could be used to bridge the distance between the concept of patient-centered healthcare and its attainment by the year 2020. In patient-centered care, patients actively manage their health and partner with their clinicians in their healthcare. The review included scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature to capture the latest evidence on technology and personal health management. As a result, the literature review contributed to formulating the ONC’s vision and to defining critical actions for its policy framework (Atkinson et al. 2013, 5). Atkinson, N.L., L. Olinger, and E. Pan. 2013(February 21). Health IT policy framework for integrating self-management and shared management of health and health care: Unleashing the power of each individual to manage their health and partner in their health care, enabled by information and technology -- White paper. Rockville, MD: Westat. http://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/personcenter_policy_framework_022113_final.pdf

a. Obtain the white paper by Atkinson et al. This white paper is categorized as grey literature. What is the grey literature and why is this white paper categorized as grey literature?

b. The topics of the grey literature include assessments of technologies and effects of policies. Review the chapter’s content on health technology assessment (HTA). Why would using the grey literature be a suitable tool for HIM researchers planning to conduct a HTA?

Answer 1

1. Grey literature actually are the research and materials which has been produced or generated by the organizations outside the academic’s publishing’s and distribution channel. These publication types are reports working papers, government documents, white papers etc.

White papers are considered under Grey literature and these are actually reports which main aim is to make understand the issue, product, or concept so as the reader can take the decision.

These are the part of the Grey literature.

This white paper characterizes as the grey literature because it is generated by the organization of Health and they are working practically on the topic not learning it.

White papers are the biased. These white papers are used by the manufactures who focuses their product's performance or superiority over other current methods.

1. The HTA having the many challenges one among it is assembling of the evidence. We have the large amount of data among which have to find out which one is appropriate. The data’s such as facts, figures, literature and other information which is relevant to particular assessment. Hence, the grey literature solves this issue and is a powerful tool. It serves the purpose of it.