An rPHR is a holistic and integrated electronic health system that allows people and those who support them to access and manage their information so they can better manage their health and wellness. Having an rPHR that links patients’ health information is key to improving quality care in British Columbia—even if a person moves, changes providers or travels to a different jurisdiction.

People access services from multiple providers and their health information is not always shared across services. This is especially true for rural patients who often access healthcare services virtually or in other communities. A robust rPHR will allow people to access and manage their own medical information.

An rPHR could enable people to: 

• better manage and take greater interest in managing their health
• become better positioned to access care, understand risks, interact with their health providers, improve their health literacy
• grant access to their information to family members, caregivers and providers
• facilitate partnerships and create a team-based care plan
• have their information travel with them to prevent errors and gaps when information may not seamlessly flow between different providers and health authorities