Why not just use a word processor or
spreadsheet to do this?
Some people do that now because there are not many other
solutions. Others may not have
access to word processor or spreadsheet software, or know how to use it. The format is not standard and the
capabilities for reliable data import and export are much more limited.
A database has better editing and search capabilities plus the
big bonus of potential inter-operability with other applications.
How
accurate is data entered by the patient?
Likely better than what is obtained from a single history taking session because the patient has a vested interest in keeping the record accurate and complete, and has an easy method to create revisions. The information will be legible. Patients have the option of flagging data entries as private so that reports can provide only need-to-know information (which already happens in verbal disclosures).
Won’t
this take more time for an office visit?
Well, it could, if the patient expected to use the
practitioner’s time to review and edit the record. It’s a matter of
managing expectations and advising the patient ahead of time that this is not
in the scope of the office visit. Then more efficient use of time is created. How much time do you currently take recording current medications, history
(with vague dates), and adverse reactions?
What
about privacy issues?
Good question, an essential issue in any electronic record of
sensitive personal information. Here, the great advantage is that the
patient has the choice in how, and how much, they protect their personal
information. Just like they decide how well to protect and backup other private material, such as their financial records or will and estate planning documents. The
information can be stored on their computer (with or without encryption), on a
USB memory stick, printed on paper, or created as a .pdf file, with or without
Internet exposure.
Why
not just use web-based Google Health?
Web-based PHRs are valuable services but not everyone has, or wants, an Internet-based service. Inhabitants of remote areas, and those who may not be able to afford a computer and Internet access, can use PersonalHx on a recycled computer with a no-cost operating system, such as Linux. Poverty does not need to be a barrier to having an electronic personal health record.
If a user wants PersonalHx data accessible on the Internet, s/he can email the file as an attachment to their Gmail account, or to an email account of their substitute decision maker (if they have a Guardian). If users are concerned about the frequent reports about sensitive information being “hacked,” they can keep a useful and accessible record of their health information, without using the Internet.
How
will it be revised in the future?
Beta test users will have access to an online method for asking
questions, requesting future features, and reporting bugs. The product
will evolve according to how best it can serve the needs of its users.
So, how much does this cost?
In the interests of health promotion, it’s free to BC residents with a PHN, and to BC
health care practitioners. PersonalHx's ability to easily export information
means that the user can take the created database and use it in other software
anytime in the future, at no cost. On the other hand, it may remain a
preferred application because it is free and easily imports and exchanges
information with other sources, too.
How
can I try this out?
Please contact the author directly by use of the Contact Me form on the sidebar of this page, or the sidebar of the Home page. This will enable you to be notified of version updates, and any changes in the the way to access the Feedback system. If you prefer not to do that, the latest version is now posted on the Resources tab and can be downloaded directly as a .zip file.
Further information about the status of the beta testing, and the opportunities to participate, will be updated here. The current release (as of 2010 April 1) is PersonalHx_version 1.2 and is available in PC, Mac and/or Linux .zip files for download.
Thanks,
Ian