Roy Poses, M.D., discussing what he calls “generic management,” says hospital chief information officers say patient engagement is all about  — chief information officers.

“So why would CIOs claim to ‘own’ patient engagement?  Maybe they are simply clueless about what patient engagement really involves.  CIOs rarely interact with patients.  Most CIOs have no direct healthcare experience, and are not trained as doctors or nurses.  For example, a recent list of “100 Hospital and Health System CIOs to Know” included only 10 with health professional degrees (seven M.D.’s, three R.N.’s).

”Why then, not simply admit that the issue is out of their area of expertise, rather than claiming ‘ownership.’ My best guess is this is the bravado, or arrogance of generic managers.”