Only 7% of consumers have used a personal health record, and 51% said they have not been exposed to the idea of using the tool, according to a survey by IDC Health Insights, Health Data Management reports.
Survey Details
Researchers surveyed 1,200 consumers in February. The report also examined the PHR initiatives of:
- Dossia;
- Google Health; and
- Microsoft HealthVault.
Barriers to PHR Use
The report identified four main barriers to consumer acceptance of PHRs:
- A lack of pre-populated data from existing sources;
- Concerns over privacy when using Internet sites;
- Physicians not recommending PHR use; and
- Concerns about PHR portability when changing health care providers, employers or insurance companies.
Future PHR Adoption
According to the report, patient-centered medical homes and accountable care models "should encourage clinicians to recommend PHRs to their patients to better manage their health and wellness" (Goedert, Health Data Management, 4/6).