need an answer to the post below:
Good evening classmates and professor,
Personal health records (PHR) have been developed so that computerized medical records are readily available to patients. As in the case study, the pros of having a PHR account is having medical records access Allowing patients to view test or lab results anywhere Internet access is located. As a result, communication and decision making between patient and health care provider regarding health concerns will improve. PHR offer many benefits to patients come a physician’s, as well as the health care system such as patient empowerment, improve patient-provider relationships, increased patient safety, improved quality of care come improved efficiency of care delivery, better safeguards on health information privacy, and bigger cost savings (Endsley, et al., 2006). Currently there are 2 kinds of PHR, stand alone or tethered. In the case study, the PHR presented is tethered “where portions are populated by the health care plan or health care delivery system that supports it (Hebda & Czar, 2019).” Their sister reason why her test results were not fully accessible because the labs used in the ED and her doctor’s office were not connected. The cons of this situation are difficulty accessing health information and test results as well as wasting time in attempting to get the other portion of results. BHR and patient portals are password protected to help patients and healthcare professionals ensure safety. Like EHRs, PHR’s are safeguarded to protect patients’ privacy and security.
The challenges for patients without access to all of EHRs/PHRs can be lack of personal health information to make proper decision making regarding their health, difficulty obtaining personal health records, and difficulty in communicating with their health care providers.
Reference
Endsley, S., Kibbe, D., Linares, A., & Colorafi, K. (2006). An introduction to personal health records. FPM Journal.
Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Personal health records (PHRs) have become an important tool in the healthcare industry, enabling patients to have ready access to their medical records through computerized systems. This post emphasizes the advantages and disadvantages of having a PHR account, as well as the challenges faced by patients without access to electronic health records (EHRs) or PHRs. The benefits of PHRs include improved patient-provider communication, enhanced patient safety, and cost savings, among others. However, the case study also highlights the difficulties in accessing health information and test results when the PHR is tethered or not fully integrated with all healthcare systems. Additionally, the post mentions the challenges faced by patients without access to EHRs or PHRs, such as lack of personal health information and difficulties in communicating with healthcare providers. Overall, understanding the pros and cons of PHRs and the challenges faced by patients without access to them is crucial in providing comprehensive healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
Answer:
Having a Personal Health Record (PHR) account provides numerous benefits and advantages to patients and healthcare systems. One significant advantage is the accessibility of medical records, allowing patients to view test or lab results from anywhere with internet access. This availability of information promotes improved communication and decision-making between patients and healthcare providers regarding health concerns. Additionally, PHRs empower patients and improve patient-provider relationships, leading to increased patient safety and improved quality of care. PHRs also enhance the efficiency of care delivery, resulting in cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems (Endsley, et al., 2006).
It is important to note that there are different types of PHRs, including stand-alone and tethered versions. The case study refers to a tethered PHR where portions of the record are populated by the healthcare plan or delivery system that supports it. However, being tethered can lead to challenges in accessing health information and test results. In the case study, the patient’s test results were not fully accessible due to the lack of connection between the laboratories used in the emergency department and her doctor’s office. This situation highlights the difficulties that can arise when using a tethered PHR and the potential waste of time when attempting to obtain complete records.
To address concerns about privacy and security, PHRs, similar to Electronic Health Records (EHRs), are password protected and safeguarded. This ensures that patients’ personal health information remains confidential and secure, providing peace of mind to both patients and healthcare professionals.
However, patients who do not have access to EHRs or PHRs face a range of challenges. These individuals may lack personal health information necessary for informed decision-making about their health. Additionally, obtaining personal health records may be difficult, preventing patients from sharing crucial information with healthcare providers. Communication barriers may arise as well, impeding effective dialogue between patients and their healthcare providers.
In conclusion, PHRs offer significant benefits to patients and healthcare systems, including improved communication, patient empowerment, and enhanced safety and efficiency. However, challenges exist when using tethered PHRs, such as difficulties in accessing complete health information. Furthermore, individuals without access to EHRs or PHRs may encounter obstacles in obtaining personal health records and communicating with healthcare providers. Recognizing the advantages and disadvantages of PHRs and understanding the challenges faced by patients without access to them is vital for promoting comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare.
