Significant barriers to PHR adoption overriding buzz and use, for now

1/16/2009

Despite significant interest in PHRs, only 7 million U.S. adults actually use them, according to Manhattan Research's Cybercitizen Health v8.0 study. Although there is buzz about offerings from companies such as Google, WebMD, and Microsoft, Manhattan Research says average consumers face barriers to adoption, such as privacy concerns. Good health can also be a barrier--consumers are often motivated by a serious illness to adopt PHRs. Erika S. Fishman, director of research at Manhattan Research, says consumer PHR adoption likely won't grow significantly without major participation from physicians.