Personal health applications (PHA) are tools and services in medical informatics which utilizes information technologies to aid individuals to create their own personal health information.[citation needed] These next generation consumer-centric information systems help improve health care delivery, self-management and wellness by providing clear and complete information, which increases understanding, competence and awareness.[1] Personal health applications are part of the Medicine 2.0 movement.[2][failed verification]
Definition
Personal Health Application is an electronic tool of storing, managing and sharing health information in illness and wellness by an individual in a secure and confidential environment.[citation needed]
Benefits
Most people do not carry medical records when they leave home. They do not realize that in an emergency these medical records can make a big difference; additionally, it is hard to predict when an emergency might occur. In fact, they could save a life. Previous medications, history of allergy to medications, and other significant medical or surgical history can help a health professional through PHA tools to optimize treatment.[citation needed]
A Personal Health Application (PHA) tool contains a patient's personal data (name, date of birth and other demographic details). It also includes a patient's diagnosis or health condition and details about the various treatment/assessments delivered by health professionals during an episode of care from a health care provider. It contains an individual's health-related information accumulated during an entire lifetime.[citation needed]
^ This article incorporates text from a scholarly publication published under a copyright license that allows anyone to reuse, revise, remix and redistribute the materials in any form for any purpose: "Personal Health Applications". Clinfowiki. Oregon Health and Science University. 2 June 2013. Please check the source for the exact licensing terms.
