The population health record: concepts, definition, design, and implementation.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Public Health Data Management
• Information Systems in Healthcare

Background:

• The American Medical Informatics Association proposed a population health record (PopHR) in 1997.
• Despite advancements in electronic and personal health records, PopHR development has lagged.
• Existing health record systems do not adequately address population-level health data needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the population health record (PopHR) based on ISO standards.
• To describe the PopHR's framework, architecture, and implementation strategy.
• To identify barriers and enablers for PopHR implementation.

Main Methods:

• Adapted International Organization for Standardization (ISO) electronic health record standards.
• Defined PopHR as a computer-processable repository for population health data.
• Outlined PopHR purpose, content, functionalities, architecture, and implementation strategy.

Main Results:

• A clear definition of PopHR as a secure, accessible data repository for population health statistics and indicators.
• Detailed description of the PopHR's information and system architecture.
• Identification of implementation barriers, enabling factors, and a phased strategy.

Conclusions:

• The defined PopHR provides a standardized approach to managing population health data.
• Successful implementation requires addressing identified barriers and leveraging enabling factors.
• A phased strategy is proposed for effective PopHR deployment.