What is a Personal Health Record (PHR)?

A Personal Health Record (PHR) is primarily an electronic portal for patient information that allows individuals to manage their own health information actively. This tool empowers patients to collect, track, and share their health data across different healthcare providers and systems. The PHR includes various personal health details, such as medical history, medications, allergies, immunizations, and laboratory results. The focus on user-driven healthcare management represents a significant shift toward more patient-centered care, promoting engagement and ownership of health decisions.

This definition emphasizes the importance of accessibility and control for patients over their health information, which is a critical aspect of modern healthcare systems. By providing patients with their own portal, a PHR facilitates communication with healthcare providers, encourages preventive care, and enhances the overall management of health conditions.