Perceptions of Personal Health Records in Rural Primary Health Clinics in Canada - Patient Perspectives.

Personal health records are increasingly being deployed in healthcare settings. In this study we explored patients' perceptions of personal health records in a rural community in Canada where a primary health network is being deployed. A focus group was held and data were thematically analysed. All patients used technology on a regular basis. Themes included communication and information sharing, issues with access to prior health records, data content and data control and features and functions for continuity of care. Participants expressed desire to be owners of their own record, but described instances where they might be too ill to do so. Participants were hopeful that the functions of a personal health record might help to overcome frustrations with current fragmented information and open to using technologies as part of their care process. Personal health records are promising technologies to overcome fragmented care in rural communities.