The Electronic Health Record: A New Form of Interaction

Abstract

Information technologies, such as the Internet, the World Wide Web, interactive TV, and media kiosks have increased consumers’ access to health information and have effected a paradigm shift in the delivery of health care. Privacy guidelines developed as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have also given consumers increased specific rights and powers [1]. Today’s consumers have the right to access their health records, obtain copies of these records, amend and correct these records, and control access by third parties. The opportunity to obtain and exercise control over healthcare information has empowered consumers to become partners with their healthcare providers (HCP) in decision making. In short, information and communication technologies have transformed consumers (patients) from passive recipients to active participants [2]. This chapter describes ways in which consumers become owners of their health information. It will discuss the potential of the Electronic Health Record (EHR), as well as the benefits, challenges, and areas for future research that it presents. Various avenues by which consumers can access health information and communicate with their healthcare providers have been well characterized in other literature and are not detailed in this chapter.

The concept of a womb-to-tomb health record presents many benefits, challenges, and areas for future research, affecting both the industry and the consumer.