Implications of Big Business Participation on PHRs
An article recently posted in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluates the impact that large companies are having as they join the field of personal health records (PHRs). The two authors of the piece, Isaac S. Kohane and Kenneth D. Mandl from Children’s Hospital Boston, are both strong advocates of PHRs, but note concerns in light of a changing industry.
Both clinicians argue the benefits of PHRs. These can be used to improve overall healthcare for individuals. Moreover, PHRs can facilitate improved decision-making by patients. Additionally, EHRs can provide opportunities for clinical research, as researchers have access to de-identified data to evaluate various hypotheses.
Currently, patient records are most often stored in the offices of their healthcare providers, pharmacies, hospitals, or insurance companies. As well, the means by which health information is shared falls under strict regulations crafted by the federal government. These records, more often, are electronic health records (EHRs) maintained by those providers rather than PHRs maintained by patients themselves.
These considerations cited are of recent concern as both Google and Microsoft have entered the field, as noted on HospitalBuyer. Larger companies, such as these two mentioned, are more likely to become responsible for storing massive amounts of patient information.
These concerns arise as such companies are not required to comply with certain regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act (HIPPA). HIPPA regulates how patient privacy and personal data is handling in healthcare. Some suggest that these regulations should be extended to companies such as Microsoft and Google, though the companies are less interested in such occurring.
In light of such, Drs. Kohane and Mandl acknowledge an evolving system, dubbed the “personalized, health information economy”. This allows patients to determine what information is moved from an EHR into a PHR system. Some concerns are noted about the opportunity to take advantage of patients with false information or marketing.
Nevertheless, the two authors note the benefits of this evolving system. One, in particular, is the opportunity to create a population of patients who have more information about their own health, are more informed as they make decisions related to their care, and take increasing responsibility for their health.
April 21, 2008 Related topics: Legal & legislative, Ethics & Scandals, Trends