TO PHR or NOT TO PHR??

So, what do you think? Should patients keep track of their own personal health information?

Okay, so we're not suggesting that patients should take 100% responsibility for their personal health information. Without question, medical practitionners MUST keep records of their patients' information. The question actually is, should patients have this information at all or should this be the domain of doctors, etc.?

Again, it bears mentioning that in a world where many don't have access to regular medical care or a consistent care provider, it only makes sense to keep a running record of what's happening to you medically and otherwise. But, should this information be maintained on the www? What about patient privacy? If doctors (or patients) are entering all of their personal health information on a website somewhere, what happens when, like the banks, a smart hacker infiltrates the site and gains access to your record? DISASTER!!!

No one should ever be able to access your information. That is why a self-maintained and self-controlled (always in your possession) record is imperative. Google and Microsoft have both released open software allowing individuals to create personal health records online and store them in "safe" environments to be accessed by medical professionals in case of emergency or other need. And, this is not a knock against either program (they're both good!), but they are 100% web dependant.

Here's the problem with that as this writer sees it ...

1. Open access to the software also makes it vulnerable to attack.
2. What happens if there is no internet access available?
3. What if the site is down or undergoing maintenance when it's needed?

There's an endless number of scenarios that are potentially distressing when you depend on an online server, but when you can update your record on your own system, without any specific program other than the record itself and you can view it ONLY by inserting your PHR device into a computer at your location, security and access become significantly smaller issues!

Let us know what you think ... online or not ... personally controlled or medically maintained? Those are your questions for the day!!!

Till next time,
What Direction Will You Choose? ... "compass"