What idea underlies personal health records (PHR) functionality?

The concept that underlies personal health records (PHR) functionality is user-controlled access to health information. This functionality empowers individuals to take charge of their own health data, allowing them to manage, update, and share their information as they see fit. By having control over their health records, users can make informed decisions about their care, share necessary information with healthcare providers, and keep track of their medical history in a centralized location.

User control is crucial because it emphasizes privacy, enabling individuals to grant access to their health information to family members, caregivers, or healthcare professionals when needed. Personal health records aim to enhance patient engagement, promote self-management, and facilitate better communication within the healthcare system, all founded on the principle of user control over personal data.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the core concept of personal health records. For example, integration with insurance services and mandatory doctor involvement focus on external factors and administrative processes rather than emphasizing the individual’s control. Real-time data analysis may enhance the functionality of health records, but the fundamental idea revolves around the user’s authority and autonomy over their health information.