PHRs

In an interesting report, six experts share their views on the future of PHRs, from the perspective of the technologist, informed patient, physician, employer, and public health professional. The ideal PHR holds tremendous potential. It could receive and evaluate information from a patient’s lab results or monitoring devices; store a patient’s observations about physical and social environment; link with a clinician’s electronic health record; and much more. On a grander scale, PHRs could also make health care more affordable by urging prevention and wellness, and by streamlining care delivery.