Young adults on the perceived benefts and expected use of personal health records: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Background Personal health records (PHRs) are tools that allow individuals to access, share and manage their health information online. Despite apparent interest, adoption rates remain low. There is a gap in our understanding as to what different populations of users, in particular young adults, might want from such a tool. Objective To describe and interpret the views and expectations of young healthy adults about using an online PHR. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was carried out. Four focus groups were conducted with a total of 29 participants (18-34 years old) from a community setting in Montreal, Canada. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Results With respect to how young adults viewed PHRs, three broad themes were identifed: perceived advantages to using a PHR, future PHR users and concerns about PHRs. Three other overarching themes emerged from data analysis in terms of what participants expected from using a PHR: the use of the PHR for preventative health, PHR support to take more control over their health and strategies to make the PHR worthwhile. A conceptual framework of factors in?uencing expectations of PHR use in this population is proposed. Conclusions While young adults view the PHR as benefcial, this is not enough for them to be motivated to actually use a PHR. To foster use, the PHRs need to be perceived as a health prevention tool that helps users to increase control over their health status. More research is needed to understand the expectations and anticipated use of different populations in designing a person-centered tool;the proposed framework provides theoretical basis in this regard.