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Study says "spin doctors" are Rx for early PHR adoption

EHR Connection, January 14, 2008

Framing communication in a manner that emphasizes the benefits of personal health records (PHRs) is likely to increase their purchase and use by "early adopters" of technological innovations, according to Arun Vishwanath, PhD., an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University at Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences.

The University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York, announced the results of Vishwanath's study in a January 3 press release. The journal, Health Communication, will publish his findings in a future issue.

"Framing is a type of persuasion in which the information source manipulates the content of a text, defines the essential problem underlying a particular issue, and outlines a set of considerations relevant to that issue," according to the press release. "A framing effect occurs when the receiver uses this manipulated content as a framework to make sense of the issue and decide on a course of action."

The study defines a PHR as a personal health record initiated and maintained by an individual that ideally provides a complete and accurate summary of his or her health and medical history. A PHR includes data from many sources and makes this information accessible online to anyone with the necessary electronic credentials to view it. Platforms that can deliver a PHR include paper, personal computers, the Internet, and portable devices.

PHRs can include a wide range of data-typically information regarding allergies, adverse drug reactions, medications (including dosage and frequency), over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, illnesses, hospitalizations, surgeries and other procedures, vaccinations, laboratory test results, and family medical history.

PHRs are similar to consumer credit reports in that they are available from various sources and some vendors market directly to consumers, according to the press release. These systems generally allow traditional data storage via a consumer-controlled portal that enables physicians, clinics, and hospitals-with patient permission-to view PHRs and communicate information and test results back to the patient.

Vishwanath found that communications that emphasize the benefits of the technology to society greatly influence later adopters. He said that electronic information sharing systems promote greater patient awareness of changes in their health conditions. "Diffusion and integration of health information systems will lead to early detection of diseases; earlier, potentially more effective interventions; are likely to increase disease survival rates, lower medication costs and lower the overall costs of health care for payers and providers," Vishwanath said in the press release.

Click here to read the press release.

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