Characteristics of personal health records: findings of the Medical Library Association/National Library of Medicine Joint Electronic Personal Health Record Task Force.
OBJECTIVE
The Medical Library Association (MLA)/National Library of Medicine (NLM) Joint Electronic Personal Health Record Task Force examined the current state of personal health records (PHRs).


METHODS
A working definition of PHRs was formulated, and a database was built with fields for specified PHR characteristics. PHRs were identified and listed. Each task force member was assigned a portion of the list for data gathering. Findings were recorded in the database.


RESULTS
Of the 117 PHRs identified, 91 were viable. Almost half were standalone products. A number used national standards for nomenclature and/or record structure. Less than half were mobile device enabled. Some were publicly available, and others were offered only to enrollees of particular health plans or employees at particular institutions. A few were targeted to special health conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The PHR field is very dynamic. While most PHR products have some common elements, their features can vary. PHRs can link their users with librarians and information resources. MLA and NLM have taken an active role in making this connection and in encouraging librarians to assume this assistance role with PHRs.
Jones
Dixie A
DA
Medical Library, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA. djon17@lsuhsc.edu
Shipman
Jean P
JP
Plaut
Daphne A
DA
Selden
Catherine R
CR
D003219:Confidentiality; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020408:Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; D006801:Humans; D007993:Libraries, Medical; D007996:Library Associations; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009317:National Library of Medicine (U.S.); D024382:Professional Role; D016730:Program Development; D014481:United States