Personal health record portals can improve patients' ability to manage chronic diseases, thereby boosting patient health and reducing hospital visits, according to a report published in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, Healthcare IT News reports.
Researchers from the State University of New York-Brooklyn noted that PHRs often are used to store an individual's clinical history. PHRs typically contain information such as:
- Lists of significant operations and illnesses;
- Records of prescription medications and drug allergies;
- Physician orders; and
- Treatment plans.
People with chronic illnesses often need to continually document their symptoms, medications and side effects. Therefore, PHRs could help improve communication between patients and physicians about ongoing health conditions, researchers said.
Researchers suggest that fostering dialogue between patients and physicians could improve patient health and provide individuals with the opportunity to become more involved in their medical care (Merrill, Healthcare IT News, 11/3).