Who is the best authority to define health information?

The user is the best authority to define health information because health information is inherently contextual and varies based on individual needs, experiences, and perspectives. Each user—whether a healthcare provider, a patient, a researcher, or an administrator—has their own interpretation of what health information means to them based on their specific roles and requirements within the healthcare system. For instance, a clinician may define health information in terms of clinical data and patient records necessary for delivering care, while a patient may view it as information related to their own health conditions and treatments.

On the other hand, organizations like CHIMA, CIHI, and WHO provide frameworks and definitions that guide the understanding and management of health information at broader levels within the healthcare system. However, these definitions may not capture the nuanced, individual context that different users bring to their understanding of health information. Thus, the user's perspective is essential in shaping what health information truly means in practice.