How the Use of Personal Health Records affect Doctor's Medical Practices
A survey performed by the American Medical Association showed that ¾ doctors surveyed had concerns about Personal Health Records (PHR). The study showed that physicians don’t trust the information contained within the PHR’s, especially that information put in by and controlled by the patient.
Though this is a real concern, it is important to realize that patients have always had control their health information. Often, patients withhold information but even more often, they forget or neglect to include the information because they feel that it is not important. Personal Health Records are on the rise because of their obvious benefits. They allow both the patient and doctor to review important historical information and acts as an essential document in times of emergencies. On occasion, they can even play a part in reducing medication errors.
Though the information in some patient-only controlled PHR’s is not perfect, it does wonders for a patient's self-efficacy and can help improve health outcomes. It gives patients a clear narrative and roadmap that is helpful when making decisions. However, Personal Health Records greatly benefits physicians as well. Preparing and reviewing the information with a patient gives them the information they need to continue their own self-education. The potentially billable time spent up-front saves time over the long run.
More importantly, however, these PHR’s allow the doctor to see clearly how a patient understands or feels about his/her own health. If a patient neglects to include a section of medical information that the doctor finds important, the doctor can use this as an opportunity to ask him/herself and the patient why this information has been omitted. Is it that the patient doesn’t understand their condition? Are they embarrassed or in denial? This conversation helps open the lines of communication for the patient and doctor and will foster trust and understanding in the long term.
Building a trusting relationship is key to improving health and decreasing liability.
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