The Requirements and Challenges in Using Personal Health Record

Abstract

Patients apply the Personal Health Record (PHR) to access and use their record information and other medical resources. This study aimed to explain the concept, requirements, and challenges of PHR. This was a narrative literature review conducted by searching Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Scientific Information Database (SID) databases. Different studies agreed that PHR should be electronic, and the patient should be able to manage and control it. PHR requirements were technical (interoperability and functionality), legal (data security, privacy, and confidentiality), and social (health literacy and personal responsibility) issues. PHR challenges could be categorized as organizational (change management), data (data custodianship, access, and content of PHR), and legal (liability and policy constraints). Successful implementation of PHR was based on understanding of the care environment, users, and needs. The widespread use of PHR required full cooperation of system designers, care providers, health policymakers, and the public.

Keywords

• personal health records
• electronic health records
• health literacy