What is the difference between a Personal Health Record (PHR) and an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

Understanding the difference between a Personal Health Record (PHR) and an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is essential for managing your health information effectively. Although both relate to your health information, they serve different roles and responsibilities.

What is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

An Electronic Medical Record is the record maintained by a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or hospital. This record includes all information related to your medical visits, test results, diagnoses, prescribed medications, and your general medical history [1]. This record is created and updated by medical staff and is considered the property of the medical institution. The EMR allows healthcare providers to access your information to provide appropriate treatment and coordinate between different departments within the hospital or clinic.

What is a Personal Health Record (PHR)?

A Personal Health Record is a collection of health information that is maintained by you as an individual [1]. You are the primary controller of this record, and it can include various information such as your name, date of birth, blood type, emergency contact information, appointment dates and results, chronic illnesses, allergies, a list of medications and supplements you take, and your family's medical history [1]. A PHR can be in paper or electronic format.

Core Differences

The primary difference lies in who is responsible for managing and controlling the record. The EMR is managed by healthcare providers, while the PHR is managed by you. This gives you greater control over your health information in the personal record, enabling you to track it and share it with whomever you choose [1].

The Importance of Patient Portals

Many clinics and hospitals now offer online patient portals, which are a form of electronic personal health record [2]. These portals allow you to access a portion of your EMR, such as test results, visit summaries, and medication history [2]. They also enable you to book non-emergency appointments, request referrals, refill prescriptions, and ask questions of your healthcare provider via secure messaging [2]. Using these portals can enhance your ability to manage your healthcare proactively and improve communication with your care team. For more information on how to manage your health information, you can visit Managing Personal Health Records in Jordan (Arabic).

Practical Tips for Managing Your Personal Health Record

• Gather Information: Start by collecting all your health information from various sources, including paper records and access to electronic patient portals [1].
• Organization and Updates: Keep your records organized and constantly updated. Record dates and results for any new tests or treatments.
• Share Wisely: You can share your personal health record with different doctors to ensure they have a complete picture of your health status, which helps in avoiding errors and improving the quality of care [2].
• Review for Errors: If you find an error in your medical record obtained from the doctor (such as incorrect medication or diagnosis information), you should contact the clinic or hospital to correct it immediately.
• Security and Privacy: Ensure your personal health information is protected, especially if you keep it electronically. Use strong passwords and avoid sharing sensitive information through insecure channels.

Medical references

• Personal Health Records
• Patient portals - an online tool for your health