Study Finds That Despite High Interest, Vast Majority of Americans Still Forego Personal Health Records
Over 7 Million Accessed Personal Health Records Online in 2008, But Significant Barriers Still Hinder Widespread Adoption


NEW YORK, NY – January 15, 2009 – Consumer demand for accessing personal health records (PHR) online is now at more than 70 million Americans, according to Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0, the latest consumer study and strategic advisory service from pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research. Despite significant interest in this type of service, only 7 million U.S. adults actually use PHRs.

Compelling offerings from vendors ranging from Google, WebMD, and Microsoft to multiple insurers and employers have sparked buzz around PHR in the past year. But for average consumers not motivated by a serious illness, significant barriers such as privacy concerns, lack of understanding, and doubts to PHR efficiency hinder adoption.

“Despite the rapidly increasing supply of PHR platforms, consumer adoption of PHRs is unlikely to show significant growth in the absence of major physician participation,” said Erika S. Fishman, Director of Research at Manhattan Research. "Education and awareness building will be critical in establishing the need for a PHR in the mind of American consumers. In a time when our country has not made health IT and electronic medical records a priority, it is understandable why consumers may not see the value in putting in the effort to keep a PHR on their own, unless they are highly motivated to do so because of an illness."

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eHealth Trends, Manhattan Research’s free monthly podcast series, keeps you up to date on the latest in consumer and physician use of the Internet and technology for healthcare. Visit our podcast page to hear the latest “eHealth Predictions for 2009” episode or subscribe directly through iTunes: http://www.manhattanresearch.com/podcast


About Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0

Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0 was fielded in Q3 2008 among 8,714 U.S. adults (ages 18+). This consumer market research and strategic advisory service focuses on how consumers use new media and technology for health and its impact on treatment and product decisions. For topics and available therapeutic segmentations (100+), visit www.manhattanresearch.com/cch. 


About Manhattan Research

Manhattan Research, a Decision Resources, Inc. company, is a leading market research and advisory services firm for global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. For more information, visit www.manhattanresearch.com, email sales@manhattanresearch.com or call 1.888.680.0800.


About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.decisionresourcesinc.com.

 

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