A personal health record (PHR) is more than just a folder of medical notes; it’s your own organised record of important health information, managed by you. Unlike hospital files that sit behind clinic desks, a PHR puts the details of your health history at your fingertips.
From vaccination dates to family medical history, this record supports smoother check-ups, faster diagnoses, and better long-term care.
What is a Personal Health Record?
A personal health record is a patient-managed collection of health information. It’s different from the official medical records maintained by hospitals or clinics. While doctors’ records may not always be easily accessible across providers, a personal health record ensures you have everything centralised in one place [1].
PHRs can be electronic medical records (apps, online platforms, cloud storage) or paper-based (folders, notebooks). Either way, the goal is the same: empowering patients to take ownership of their health by keeping accurate, updated information [4].
Why Keeping a Personal Health Record Matters
Maintaining a personal health record has clear benefits:
- Faster, more accurate diagnosis: Doctors get the full picture at a glance.
- Avoids repeat tests and extra costs: With past results on hand, there’s no need to duplicate scans or bloodwork.
- Critical in emergencies: Quick access to allergies, blood type, or medical history can make all the difference.
- Supports preventive care: Patients who track their own health are better equipped to spot early warning signs and work proactively with their doctors [1][4].
Dr Rahmana, General Practitioner says: "Keeping a personal health record like your vaccine card or prescriptions or imaging reports will enable you to share accurate information with your doctor and will help in making better decisions about your care".
What to Include in Your Personal Health Record Book
A personal health record (PHR) is at its most useful when it contains detailed, accurate, and well-organised health information. Here’s how to make sure your record is practical and valuable, not just a list of items, but a truly helpful tool for your ongoing care [4].
Basic Information
Beyond name, date of birth, and contact details, include your health insurance details; emergency contact and; preferred declaration of life wishes if relevant. If you’ve had previous addresses, or moved between clinics, note which facilities treated you. This helps in cases where clinics need to retrieve past records.
Medical History
This is your health history. For chronic conditions, track key milestones: when the diagnosis was made, medications started or changed, and any allergies or complications. Also include any health screenings (e.g. cancer screening, ECGs) and their findings.
Vaccination Records
Not just the date, but also the vaccine brand (if known), batch number, clinic/provider, and any immediate reactions. Keep childhood immunisations, flu, COVID-19, boosters, and travel-related vaccines together [1].
Test Results
For things like blood tests, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), or specialist reports, include results, reference ranges, and date. If there were abnormal findings, note follow-ups or treatments taken. A summary section (e.g. “Annual health check-ups”) helps you track trends over time.
Allergies & Medications
Include both drug allergies (and severity) and food/other environmental allergies. List all current prescription medications, doses, schedules, as well as over the counter medicines or supplements. Record changes or discontinuations and adverse reactions [4].
Family Medical History
Important to note immediate relatives (parents, siblings) and what medical conditions they’ve had, e.g. heart disease, cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes. Also useful: ages of onset, outcomes, which treatments were used.
Lifestyle & Wellness Data
Health isn’t just what happens in clinic. Note your exercise habits, diet changes, sleep quality and patterns, weight trends, stress levels. If you’re monitoring something specific (like blood pressure at home, blood sugar, or mental health), include those logs.
Tips for Maintaining Your Health Record Book
A personal health record only works if it’s kept up-to-date and easy to use. These quick tips can help you get the most from it:
- Update regularly: Add new information after every check-up, test, or vaccination so important details are not missed [4].
- Store it securely: Whether you use a folder, app, or cloud storage, make sure it’s safely secured but still accessible when you need it [2][3].
- Bring it to appointments: Sharing your record with your doctor helps them make faster, better-informed decisions.
Using Your Health Record for Preventive Care
A personal health record is especially valuable for prevention:
- Spotting early warning signs of conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
- Tracking progress over time, such as improvements in cholesterol levels or weight management.
- Supporting chronic condition management with reliable, up-to-date information [4].
For those keen to take a proactive approach, Smart Salem offers comprehensive preventive health screening services designed to complement and strengthen your personal health record.
Take Control of Your Health Journey
A personal health record book is a simple but powerful tool. By organising your medical information in one place, you gain better oversight of your health, speed up treatments, and support preventative care. Starting today can help you stay healthier tomorrow, and trusted providers like Smart Salem are here to support every step of that journey.
FAQs
Can I use my personal health record when traveling abroad for medical care?
Yes, a PHR makes it easier to share your history with doctors anywhere in the world.
Are there mobile apps available to help manage a personal health record?
Yes, many digital tools and apps allow you to securely track your medical details.
How can a personal health record help in an emergency situation?
It provides quick access to vital details such as allergies, medications, or blood type.
Who should I share my personal health record with?
Share it with your healthcare providers and, if relevant, close family members or caregivers.
Is it safe to store my personal health record online?
Yes, provided you use secure, encrypted platforms and follow good data protection practices.
Sources
- https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/unified-national-medical-record-initiative
- https://dha.gov.ae/uploads/012023/Policy%20for%20Health%20Information%20Assets%20management2023151842.pdf
- https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/healthcare-data-protection-in-the-uae.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8120425/
