"As a hub of information and information-management tools controlled by the patient, personal health records present a number of promises, perils, and challenges in the years ahead. In this report, six experts share their views on the future of PHRs, from the perspective of the technologist, informed patient, physician, employer, and public health professional. "The ideal PHR holds tremendous potential, according to these experts. It could receive and evaluate information from a patient's lab results or monitoring devices; store a patient's observations about physical and social environment; link with a clinician's electronic health record; and much more. On a grander scale, PHRs could also make health care more affordable by urging prevention and wellness, and by streamlining care delivery. "But some worry that PHRs might disrupt the doctor-patient relationship, saddle overburdened physicians with unreimbursed information-management duties, and overload consumers with data. "

" The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) advocate empowering individuals to manage their healthcare through the use of a personal health record (PHR). The PHR is a tool for collecting, tracking and sharing important, up-to-date information about an individual’s health or the health of someone in their care. Using a PHR will help people make better health decisions and improves quality of care by allowing them to access and use information needed to communicate effectively with others about their healthcare. "

"In response to the trend of increasing consumer involvement in health care decision making, [this report] examines the various forms and functions of tools available to help consumers make more informed choices. It summarizes evidence regarding the effectiveness of these tools, and offers possible strategies for overcoming limitations to their widespread use. [...]"