NEW YORK, NY – Oct. 11 – With nearly 15% of the U.S. population on board, interest in personal health records (PHR) is palpable. The reality of a digitalized nation within a decade hangs in the balance, however, according to the latest consumer analysis from Manhattan Research.

According to the analysis, titled "Consumer Health Interactivity: Market Trends in Patient and Physician Connectivity," consumers need to move into a world of electronic information value exchange in order to reach the electronic comfort level necessary to capitalize on the benefits of PHRs. The Interactivity analysis is part of the Cybercitizen(R) Health continuous advisory service.

"Interactive consumers -- those performing health activities online beyond just reading static text -- are not only valuable to health and pharmaceutical outlets, but are also the driving force behind our movement toward a digitalized nation," says Erika S. Fishman, Senior Analyst with Manhattan Research.

She continues, "Consumers personalizing health sites, receiving online condition-specific newsletters, or receiving prescription product updates through email are highly likely to take action, such as changing a behavior or making a different decision at the treatment level; they are also primed to move on to even more advanced activity online, such as accessing a personal health record."

In addition to identifying potential PHR users through online health activities, millions of Americans are making online connections another way -- by emailing their physicians.

Specifically, the 7.6 million consumers actively emailing with their physicians provide a powerful link to understanding the PHR early adopter, since such consumers are already shuttling valuable health information across the Internet. Current generation communication tools facilitate the transition to advanced interactive and health management applications.

Multimedia Presentation

To request an invitation to an exclusive free video presentation by Senior Research Analyst Erika Fishman discussing highlights of the Consumer Health Interactivity Module, please contact Manhattan Research by visiting http://www.manhattanresearch.com/interactivity.aspx .

Complete findings and analysis from the "Consumer Health Interactivity: Market Trends in Patient and Physician Connectivity" are immediately available to Manhattan Research clients as part of the Cybercitizen(R) Health continuous advisory service. For additional information please contact Erica Alexander at 212.255.7799 or visit http://www.manhattanresearch.com/interactivity.aspx.

     MEDIA CONTACT:

     Erica Alexander

     Manhattan Research, LLC

     212.255.7799

     ealexander@manhattanresearch.com