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Learning Objective 1: describe the development of My Health Companion, a personal health record
Learning Objective 2: discuss the advantages of using My Health Companion in managing a chronic health condition
Objective: Appropriate self-management support is needed to help individuals meet the challenges of living with chronic health conditions -- dealing with symptoms, disability, complex medication regimes, obtaining appropriate medical care, and adjusting to the impact of all these impositions on lifestyle and emotional well-being. The objective of this presentation is to discuss the development of My Health Companion (MHC), a personal health record, designed to help those with chronic health conditions to better manage and understand their health information and enhance productive partnerships with their health care providers.
Design: Initially, the selection of content for the MHC was based on the literature and input from health care experts. The format for the MHC is a three-ring binder with dividers for the various sections, e.g., basic information, health history, laboratory tests, questions for health care provider, support resources, etc.
Development: The development of the MHC (copyright © 2008) was based on the expressed need of participants in a large-scale research program to achieve more productive interactions with their health care providers and better control of their health and health care. Although standard information was included, opportunities to record emotional status as well as spiritual and social resources were provided. The content of the MHC was further refined based on the results of piloting the MHC with group of chronically ill individuals.
Findings: Preliminary developmental testing indicated the usefulness of the MHC to rural women with chronic health conditions in organizing their health information and preparing for visits with their health care providers. Anecdotal feedback from health care providers has indicated the: advantages of a better informed client who comes prepared for visits; increased probability of an accurate diagnosis; development of an appropriate treatment plan; and enhancement of an individual’s ability to fully participate in his/her health maintenance and treatment regimen. The results of the developmental testing of the MHC are very encouraging and a more rigorous evaluation has been launched as a component of three separate studies.
Implications: The MHC is a low-tech, personal health record designed to help individuals to more effectively manage their chronic health conditions. The use of the MHC enhances an understanding of their health information as a basis for making better informed health decisions and interacting more effectively with health care resources. Health care providers can take the lead in encouraging their clients to use a personal health record along with offering support in its use. A more informed client, utilizing a personal health record, can act as a catalyst for more productive interactions that will achieve true client-provider partnerships in health care.
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