In the era of increasingly developing digitalization, the transformation of health services has become one of the main priorities in various countries, including Indonesia. One of the promising innovations in this field is the use of Personal Health Record (PHR). PHR is an electronic system that allows individuals to independently manage their health information, such as medical history, laboratory results, drug prescriptions, and vaccination records. PHR integration in Indonesia has great potential to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of health services. However, PHR implementation also faces a number of challenges, ranging from technological infrastructure to data privacy issues.
This article will discuss the concept of PHR, its benefits for society and the health system, and the challenges faced in PHR integration in Indonesia. This discussion is based on references from scientific journals related to health technology, public policy, and case studies of PHR implementation in various countries.
Table of Contents
What is a Personal Health Record (PHR)?
According to Tang et al. (2006) in the journal "Personal Health Records: Definitions, Benefits, and Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Adoption“, PHR is a digital tool designed to empower patients by giving them complete control over their health information. Unlike Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which are managed by healthcare providers, PHRs are managed entirely by the individual. Information in a PHR can include:
- Medical history, such as diagnosis and treatment.
- Laboratory and imaging test results.
- Immunization records.
- List of medications taken.
- Vital data, such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
PHRs can be accessed through mobile apps, websites, or other platforms. Some PHRs even integrate with wearable devices, such as smartwatches, allowing users to monitor their health in real-time.
Benefits of PHR Integration in Indonesia
1. Improving Accessibility of Health Services
Indonesia is an archipelagic country with uneven distribution of health facilities. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health (2021), there are still many remote areas that have difficulty accessing quality health services. With PHR, patients can store and share their health information with doctors in different locations. This allows for faster diagnosis and medical treatment, even if the patient is in a remote area.
A study by Kim et al. (2019) in the journal “The Impact of Personal Health Records on Patient Engagement and Health Outcomes” shows that PHR can increase patient participation in medical decision-making. Patients who use PHR tend to be more active in maintaining their health, such as monitoring diet and physical activity.
2. Efficiency in Health Data Management
The health system in Indonesia often faces problems with data duplication and lack of coordination between health facilities. PHR can be a solution to integrate health data from various sources, making it easier for doctors to make clinical decisions. For example, if a patient has undergone a laboratory test at hospital A, the results can be accessed by a doctor at hospital B through PHR without the need for repeat tests.
According to the journal “Health Information Exchange and Interoperability Challenges” by Adler-Milstein & Jha (2017), health data interoperability is key to improving the efficiency of the health system. PHR integrated with EHR can reduce operational costs and speed up the diagnosis process.
3. Patient Empowerment
PHR gives patients control over their health information. Patients can monitor their health progress, schedule appointments with doctors, and even communicate directly with medical personnel through the PHR platform. This is in accordance with the principle of patient-centered care, where patients are the center of health services.
Study by Archer et al. (2011) in the journal “Personal Health Records: A Scoping Review” found that PHR users reported increased understanding of their health conditions and felt more confident in interacting with health care providers.
Challenges in PHR Implementation in Indonesia
Although PHR offers many benefits, its implementation in Indonesia is not free from various challenges. Here are some of the main challenges that need to be overcome:
1. Limited Technology Infrastructure
Indonesia still faces a digital divide, especially in rural and remote areas. According to a 2022 report by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), only around 76% of Indonesia's population have internet access. In addition, the quality of the internet network in some areas is still low, which can hinder the optimal use of PHR.
2. Privacy and Data Security Issues
Data privacy is one of the major concerns in PHR implementation. According to the journal “Privacy Concerns in Personal Health Records” by Kaelber et al. (2008), many patients are reluctant to use PHRs because they are afraid that their health information will be misused or hacked. In Indonesia, regulations related to personal data protection are still under development. Although the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) was passed in 2022, its implementation requires time and commitment from various parties.
3. Lack of Public Awareness
The level of digital literacy and public health in Indonesia is still relatively low. According to a survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) in 2021, only around 30% people understand how to use digital technology for health needs. This shows the need for mass education to increase public awareness of the benefits of PHR.
4. Interoperability Between Systems
One of the technical challenges in implementing PHR is interoperability between systems. In Indonesia, many health facilities use different EHR systems, making it difficult to integrate health data as a whole. According to the journal “Challenges in Achieving Interoperability in Healthcare Systems” by Halamka et al. (2015), standardization of data and communication protocols is an important step to address this problem.
Case Study: PHR Implementation in Other Countries
To understand the opportunities and challenges of implementing PHR in Indonesia, we can learn from the experiences of other countries. The United States, for example, has successfully implemented PHR through the Blue Button Initiative program. This program allows patients to download and share their health information securely. According to a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services (2020), more than 150 million Americans have used PHR to manage their health information.
In Asia, South Korea has also developed a PHR system integrated with the national health card. This system allows patients to access their health information at various health facilities. According to the journal “Adoption of Personal Health Records in South Korea” by Lee et al. (2018), the success of PHR implementation in South Korea is supported by strong technological infrastructure and clear regulations.
Strategic Steps for PHR Integration in Indonesia
To overcome challenges and maximize the benefits of PHR, here are some strategic steps that can be taken:
1. Improving Technology Infrastructure
The government needs to invest in the development of technological infrastructure, especially in remote areas. Programs such as Palapa Ring can be expanded to improve internet access throughout Indonesia.
2. Strengthening Data Security Regulations
The implementation of the PDP Law must be supported by clear technical regulations related to health data management. The government also needs to work with health service providers to ensure the security of patient data.
3. Improving Digital Literacy and Health
Mass education programs on the benefits and how to use PHR need to be conducted. This education can be done through social media, seminars, and health campaigns.
4. Encourage Collaboration Between Health Facilities
The government can encourage collaboration between health facilities to develop data interoperability standards. This can be done through incentives or regulations that support system integration.
Vit's Role as a PHR Provider in Indonesia
Vit is one of the PHR platforms that has begun to be known in Indonesia. This platform is designed to provide an integrated solution for the community in managing their health information. Here are some of Vit's important roles in the PHR ecosystem in Indonesia:
1. Provider of Centralized Access to Health Information
Vit allows users to store and access all their health information in one platform. Users can upload lab results, prescriptions, and other medical records from multiple healthcare facilities. This feature is especially useful for patients who frequently move from one healthcare facility to another, as doctors can easily access the patient’s complete medical history without having to re-request data from the previous facility.
2. Real-Time Health Monitoring
One of Vit's standout features is its ability to connect with wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. Users can monitor health parameters such as heart rate, daily steps, and sleep patterns in real-time. This data can then be used by doctors to make more informed clinical decisions.
3. Communication Facilitator Between Patients and Doctors
Vit also provides a communication feature between patients and doctors. Through this platform, patients can consult with doctors online, schedule appointments, and even get e-prescriptions. This feature is very relevant during the pandemic, where many patients are reluctant to visit health facilities in person.
4. Support for National Health Programs
Vit works with the government to support national health programs, such as vaccination programs and chronic disease management. For example, users can record their vaccination status on the Vit platform, which can then be used for administrative purposes, such as creating vaccination certificates.
Conclusion
Integration Personal Health Record (PHR) in Indonesia has great potential to improve accessibility, efficiency, and quality of health services. Platforms such as Vit have shown an important role in providing integrated solutions for health data management. However, the implementation of PHR also faces several challenges, such as limited technological infrastructure, data privacy issues, and lack of public awareness. To overcome these challenges, strategic steps are needed involving the government, health service providers, and the community.
With strong regulatory support, investment in technology infrastructure, and proper education, PHR can be a catalyst in transforming healthcare services in Indonesia. It is hoped that the implementation of PHR can lead Indonesia towards a more inclusive, efficient, and technology-based healthcare system.
Reference:
- Tang, PC, et al. (2006). Personal Health Records: Definitions, Benefits, and Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Adoption. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
- Kim, E., et al. (2019). The Impact of Personal Health Records on Patient Engagement and Health Outcomes. Health Informatics Journal.
- Adler-Milstein, J., & Jha, A. K. (2017). Health Information Exchange and Interoperability Challenges. New England Journal of Medicine.
- Kaelber, DC, et al. (2008). Privacy Concerns in Personal Health Records. Journal of Medical Systems.
- Lee, J., et al. (2018). Adoption of Personal Health Records in South Korea. International Journal of Medical Informatics.
