Chicago, Illinois, USA. Consumer demand for personal health records (PHRs) and the capabilities provided by regional health information organizations (RHIOs) will change healthcare, just as automatic teller machines have changed banking.

 

The PHR is predicated on the existence of electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs). Patient and consumer principles guiding the development of the PHR reflect issues of access, control, privacy, and security. But unlike electronic health records, which are typically maintained by physicians or other health care provider organizations, PHRs will be directed by consumers/patients and maintained by independent Regional Health Information Organizations.

 

Working models illustrate the variations of RHIOs and PHRs possible and suggest the benefits that electronic information exchange can accrue for healthcare and healthcare consumers. All of the various models offer the consumer the benefits of encompassing both the basic health information contained in electronic health records as well as information needed to help the consumer manage a broad array of health-related personal data that can be immediately accessed when needed.

 

Today both the private and public sectors are working to define the issues involved in efforts that are now taking place and that will transform healthcare. According to the article, consumers appear ready for the type of changes that will improve healthcare quality.