Concepts and Applications of Personal Health Records in Selected Countries

Personal health record (PHR) enables patients to access their health information and improves care quality by supporting self-care. The purpose of this study was to provide a comparative analysis of the concepts and applications of PHRs in selected countries. This study was carried out in 2009 using a descriptive, comparative method. It compared Australia, the United States, England, and Iran. Data was gathered from articles, books, journals, and reputed websites in English and Persian published between 1995 and September 2009. After collecting the data, both advantages and disadvantages of PHRs in each country were analyzed. In Australia, the United States, and England the patient/person was recognized as the owner of the PHR, information was disclosed only to those authorized by the patient, and the PHR was created upon request and involved consent of the individual. The aims of these records in the three countries were to provide access to health information for the patient, to offer a secure and confident place for sending message and communication, and to enable the person to use databases. In most countries, PHR has been developed to provide access to health information. It is thus necessary for Iran to benefit from experiences in other countries.