Parallel National Surveys: The Similar and Contrasting Views of Consumers and Clinicians Toward Electronic Personal Health Records

Four out of five Americans believe using an online PHR would provide major benefits to individuals in managing their health and health care services, with 86 percent or higher saying that PHRs could help them avoid duplicated tests, keep doctors informed, move more easily from doctor to doctor, check the accuracy of their medical records, and track personal health expenses. While less than 20 percent of physicians have significant experience using PHRs, half agree that PHRs can “help empower patients to participate in their care” and 44 percent are willing to make use of PHRs as part of their clinical work.