The Markle Foundation Health Program established the Personal Health Technology Initiative under the auspices of Connecting for Health to better understand the role of the health care consumer in a networked health information environment and to enable increased participation by consumers in their health and their health care through the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs) and related technologies.

The Personal Health Technology Initiative envisions a future electronic health information environment that:

• Allows patients, consumers, and caregivers to take a very active role in health and health care.
• Supports effective and efficient communication between physicians and other health providers and the individuals and families in their care.
• Improves the quality of health care.
• Reduces medical errors and enhances safety.
• Emphasizes continuity and convenience of care.
• Respects privacy and ensures fair information practices.
• Earns and keeps the public’s trust.