A personal health record (PHR) is an extensive collection of past and current health and medical information that is compiled by the individual, not by a health care professional, to help track, manage, and share health care information.
Personal health is the ability to take charge of your health by making conscious decisions to be healthy. It not only refers to the physical well being of an individual but it also comprises the wellness of emotional, intellect, social, economical, spiritual and other areas of life.
While electronic health record (EHR) systems function to serve the information needs of health care professionals, PHR systems capture health data entered by individuals and provide information related to the care of those individuals. Personal health records include tools to help individuals take a more active role in their own health.