Characteristics of personal health records: findings of the Medical Library Association/National Library of Medicine Joint Electronic Personal Health Record Task Force |
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| Authors: | Dixie A Jones Jean P Shipman Daphne A Plaut Catherine R Selden |
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| Institution: | Associate Director, Medical Library, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA ;Director, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT ;Research Librarian, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR ;Librarian, National Information Center on Health Services Research and Health Care Technology, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD |
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| Abstract: | Objectives:The Medical Library Association (MLA)/National Library of Medicine (NLM) Joint Electronic Personal Health Record Task Force examined the current state of personal health records (PHRs).Methods:A working definition of PHRs was formulated, and a database was built with fields for specified PHR characteristics. PHRs were identified and listed. Each task force member was assigned a portion of the list for data gathering. Findings were recorded in the database.Results:Of the 117 PHRs identified, 91 were viable. Almost half were standalone products. A number used national standards for nomenclature and/or record structure. Less than half were mobile device enabled. Some were publicly available, and others were offered only to enrollees of particular health plans or employees at particular institutions. A few were targeted to special health conditions.Conclusions:The PHR field is very dynamic. While most PHR products have some common elements, their features can vary. PHRs can link their users with librarians and information resources. MLA and NLM have taken an active role in making this connection and in encouraging librarians to assume this assistance role with PHRs.Highlights- A variety of personal health records (PHRs) exist with some tied to medical health records and others offered as standalone products.
- Librarians can be connected to PHR users through inclusion of an assistance statement in PHRs.
- PHRs offer librarians another means of providing consumers with quality health information.
Implications- PHR user support is a new role for medical librarians.
- Medical librarians need to be proactive in their communities to educate consumers about PHRs.
- Given the dynamic nature of this market, medical librarians should make a concerted effort to stay abreast of trends in this area.
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