Personal health record use grows

03/12/2012

A new poll suggests personal health record use is on the rise and is only expected to increase further in the years ahead.<br/><br/>The report - &quot;The U.S. Personal Health Records Market: Understanding Technical and Strategic Imperatives around Consumer-Focused Health IT&quot; - found that personal health records software purchases totaled $312 million in 2010 alone and revenues are projected to near $415 million come 2015, an annual growth rate of approximately 6 percent.<br/><br/>The study was conducted by market research firm Frost and Sullivan.<br/><br/>Jessica Ryan Ohlin, a Frost and Sullivan analyst, said both consumers and hospitals are using these health records as consumer advocates encourage individuals to take more active interest in their healthcare.<br/><br/>&quot;The prevailing attitude of &#39;I&#39;m not sick, why do I need a PHR?&#39; is going to disappear over the next five years as consumers take on increasing personal and financial responsibilities for managing their own healthcare,&quot; said Ohlin. &quot;The public sentiment is shifting away from the traditional passive approach towards recognition of the need to be more proactive about future care and more engaged at the actual point of care.&quot;<br/><br/>As individuals become more involved in their healthcare, it may be advisable for hospitals to obtain additional medical facilities liability insurance coverage to avoid any legal issues or frivolous lawsuits that arise.&nbsp;