Question

In your own words, discuss what the difference is between EHR and PHR. Discuss at least 3 benefits of PHR. 

Answer 1

Health record is defined as a comprehensive details of patient's health components : demographic profile, socioeconomic status, family history, past medical illness, present complaints and reason for encounter to hospitals or physicians,drug history, laboratory investigations, surgical history,surgical notes,follow up care.

Electronic Health Record is a copy of patient health record maintained in a form of digital means. EHR replaces the traditional storage of health documents in a form of paper and chart. EHR access done by MRD by entering unique patients ID. EHR is more secure and safeguard by system passwords. EHR improves confidentiality and helps hospitals to maintain HIPAA (Health insurance portability and accountability act) compliance . EHR improves quality care by enhancing time management in retrieving patient records. Accessibility of halt records to patients is not easy in EHR.

Personal health record consists of patient health history as in EHR. The prime difference is PHR is a form of paper records maintained by physician and its access is controlled by the patients. Certain health records like immunization chart, periodical laboratory tests, follow ups retaining in patient hands makes easy for client to keep their health visits and treatment in track and plan ahead for upcoming appointments.

Benefits of PHR:

- PHR enhances direct communication between providers and patients.

- PHR facilitates open channel of communication and makes care more easy and fastest way.

- PHR aid patient suffering from chronic illness to track their disease progress and report physicians immediately without any delay . This improves patient treatment outcome and preventing disease related complications.