Personal Health in My Pocket

Abstract

Consumers' access to their health records is increasing, and one of the ways they can gain access and potentially contribute to their records is by using a mobile Personal Health Record (mPHR). mPHRs emerged as a combination of mHealth and Personal Health Records (PHRs). Despite the current shortage of evidence supporting mPHR use, these systems are already being deployed, and examples of currently available mPHRs are provided. mPHRs have an array of potential uses and different target user groups, but there are also several challenges impeding their success. The physical constraints of mobile devices, health literacy, and usability all create obstacles for mPHRs. However, mPHRs create opportunities due to the affordances of mobile devices and the potential to integrate consumer mHealth applications. The challenges and opportunities of these nascent systems are outlined in this chapter, as they inform research topics with respect to mPHRs.