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Too Early for Personal Health Records?
Wednesday, 24 November 2010 08:00 | 
| Healthcare Blogs - EMR & EHR Blogs |
In healthcare, as in other sectors, there is a tendency to be drawn to the next 'new thing' (note, I do not use the word fad). In this case, substitute the words 'Personal Health Records' for new thing. I am a believer in patient empowerment and encouraging individuals to take more responsibility for their health. However, the timing and environment have to be right.
After a few years of attempting to make personal health records profitable, Microsoft is back-tracking and as reported on FT.com, has abandoned efforts to charge US users for the service (Microsoft drops US HealthVault profit plans). Microsoft states that the company has made this decision because of the complexity of the US healthcare system.
I believe the answer is less about complexity and more about readiness of the environment. Simply put, we are just not ready for personal health records. They are a great concept and something that will be core to healthcare delivery -- at a point in the future. It is hard to predict how far ahead that might be, however I believe that widespread adoption of personal health records will only take place once we have ubiquitous adoption of EMRs by clinicians. This will extend the ability for personal health records to become relevant.
The most important connection for patients is still with their care provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner). Widespread adoption (and use) of EMRs will signify that the environment is ready.
Whether 5, 10 or 15 years ahead, I believe the predictions about personal health records will be spot on. Not just profitable for the company or organization that get's it right, but an enabler for patients who need to book or cancel appointments, receive reminders and check lab and diagnostic results.
What are your thoughts about Personal Health Records? Do you agree or disagree with these observations? Click on the 'Comments' link below.
Read More: http://blog.canadianemr.ca/canadianemr/2010/11/too-early-for-personal-health-records.html
