User Centric Develops Guidelines for Personal Health Record (PHR) Applications Based on User Research

Global user experience consulting firm User Centric, Inc., (http://www.usercentric.com) has identified several guidelines to be included in a working model for PHR interfaces that will facilitate user adoption. Based on a recent usability study comparing two existing online personal health record (PHR) applications, Google Health and Microsoft HealthVault, User Centric gained a clearer understanding of features that are deemed useful. in PHR applications. (Neither Google nor Microsoft commissioned or participated in this study in any manner.)

Based on a detailed analysis, User Centric developed recommendations for designing a more usable PHR, including:

• Inclusion of multiple descriptions of the same health conditions/ items to accommodate users' differing levels of familiarity and comfort with medical terminology
• Inclusion of basic drug interaction warnings, including interactions between common over-the-counter medications with prescription drugs
• Using the user interface to support brand credibility, which was motivating factor for users who are choosing a PHR
• More recommendations can be found at /publications/2009/01/05/user-centric-user-research-experts-develop-guidelines-personal-health-record

As a follow-up to the PHR usability study, User Centric conducted an online survey to gather further data on patient attitudes towards PHRs. Among other things, this survey tracked features that would most drive respondents to adopt an online PHR. These included:

• Track immunization records
• Securely receive test results and information from a physician
• Share your health information with a primary physician
• Manage insurance information and medical bills
• Get reminders about regular checkups or recurring treatments.

For the complete complimentary study with illustrations, graphs, and recommendations, visit http://www.usercentric.com/publications/2009/01/phr/