title: The Role of Personal Health Record Systems in Chronic Disease Management.
abstract: Chronic illnesses account for the largest portion of healthcare spending in Canada; they are the leading cause of premature death. As a result, healthcare organizations are focused on improving both health and financial outcomes. Addressing chronic illnesses involves more frequent and impactful interactions with both current patients and those at risk of developing a chronic condition. This transformation requires that healthcare organizations shift from a system based solely on in-person interactions to one that leverages digital solutions that support interactions regardless of the patients' location. Personal health record systems (PHRS) can facilitate patients' access to their health data at any time of the day, anywhere in the world. PHRS also offers a myriad of features to help providers' engage, educate and empower patients to make proactive and preventive care a reality. Discussed in this paper are the ways in which PHRS can support the optimal management of chronic conditions and the current barriers to widespread adoption.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, York University, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Reshma
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prashad
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019468:Disease Management; D055991:Health Records, Personal; D006801:Humans
keywords: chronic disease management; chronic diseases; personal health record systems