Functions and Outcomes of Personal Health Records for Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: The personal health record (PHR) makes it possible for patients to access, manage, track, and share their health information. By engaging patients in chronic disease care, they will be active members in decision-making and healthcare management.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the functions and outcomes of PHR for patients with four major groups of chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases). Method: A systematic review was conducted on studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Searching and screening were performed using the keyword of "Personal Health Record" without time limitation, and ended in August 2018.

Results: In total, 3742 studies were retrieved, 35 of which met the inclusion criteria. Out of these 35, 18 studies were conducted in the United States, 24 studies were related to patients with diabetes, and 32 studies focused on tethered PHRs. Moreover, in 25 studies, the function of viewing and reading medical records and personal health information was provided for three groups of chronic patients. Results showed that the use of PHRs helps the management and control of chronic diseases (10 studies).

Conclusion: It is recommended that integrated PHRs with comprehensive functions and features were designed in order to support patient independence and empowerment in self-management, decrease the number of referrals to health centers, and reduce the costs imposed on families and society.