Survey Finds Americans Want Electronic Personal Health Information to Improve Own Health Care

Lake Research Partners (LRP) and American Viewpoint conducted a survey among 1,003 Americans nationwide, November 11 – 15, 2006, for the Markle Foundation. The survey examined public opinion toward electronic personal health records, including consumers’ level of interest, the benefits of and concerns about online health information, and the role of the government in encouraging health information exchange networks and establishing privacy protections. This survey was done in preparation for the Markle Foundation’s conference, Connecting Americans to Their Health Care: Empowered Consumers, Personal Health Records and Emerging Technologies, occurring December 7-8, 2006 in Washington, D.C.

Survey results reveal a few key attitudinal themes regarding electronic personal health information. First, Americans want access to their personal health information electronically because they believe that the online services enabled by such access is likely to increase their quality of care. Additionally, the public sees online records as a way to increase health care efficiency by reducing unnecessary and repeated tests and procedures. A desire for more control over their health care also seems to be behind the public’s interest in electronic personal health information. However, identity theft and privacy risks are still top concerns for the public, and they believe there is a role for government to play in ensuring the security of electronic personal health information.