Found this via my openid planet feed. Anybody remember the Cluetrain Manifesto? Well, this is an attempt to create a similar manifesto for healthcare. It's called Healthtrain, which doesn't have the same punch as "cluetrain" but it does suggest it so I guess it works. There is a PDF which I am attaching, but please not I will not be updating it so you should go to the source:

Quoting Johannes quoting the manifesto;

Here is a summary (quoting):

This Manifesto proposes principles under which open media could become a force of positive change in public health and the healthcare system. It steers clear of issues that may favor any stakeholder group over another, aside from promoting greater empowerment of individual healthcare consumers and professionals. The goal of this effort is not to offer specific prescriptions for a healthcare reform, as different people and groups have very different ideas. The objective is to propose general principles under which open expression and discussion can force system change for the better. This is work in progress that will benefit from constructive criticism.

I am currently printing out the 12 page pdf file, but it addresses 18 principles. Namely:

1. Openness
2. Empowerment
3. Conversation
4. Empathy
5. Trust
6. Critical Thinking
7. Guidance
8. Control
9. Credentials
10. Transparency
11. Privacy
12. Anonymity
13. Scientific Validity
14. Conflicts of Interest
15. Sponsorship
16. Promotion
17. Controversy
18. Civility and Respect

These proposed principles are described in more detail in the pdf.

I have not actually read the pdf yet, but I will. I was wondering what people like the folks over at Innovative IT for Healthcare think, and how a town like Cleveland with what sometimes seems like a Cleveland Clinic building on every corner makes of this manifesto. Userful? Useless?

My other thought is how would apply to the solution identified by the Voices and Choices effort?

"Advocate for the State of Ohio to develop a healthcare system that provides healthcare to all to reduce burden on businesses."

Of course, to figure that out, I actually have to read it.....

Also note, the last comment on the blog post announcing the manifesto:

HealthTrain needs further review, debate and support. Comment on it, blog about it and if you agree with these ideas add your endorsement. You can use the comment form below or register on this site and fill out the HealthTrain form in your member profile.

If interested, have to.