Personal Health Records: Understanding the Factors that Contribute to Creating Value and Practical use by Patients and Citizens

Personal Health Records or Patient Portals (electronic records tethered to healthcare systems and allowing patient access), are recognised as a promising mechanism to support greater patient engagement, yet questions remain open about the best way to encourage adoption of patient portals and what factors might contribute to sustained and meaningful use. A review of the literature is ongoing, with qualitative data collection planned.