My diabetes my way: an electronic personal health record for diabetes

Background: Diabetes prevalence in Scotland is increasing at approximately 4.6% annually, with figures currently at 247,278 (4.7%). Internet-based interventions have the potential to enhance self-management and shift the balance of power towards the patient. Electronic personal health records (ePHRs) have been identified as an ideal route to deliver these interventions, as outlined in the Department of Health Information Strategy. Methods: We developed a diabetes-focused, population-based ePHR for NHS Scotland. Data are sourced from primary, secondary and tertiary care via the national shared-electronic record, SCI-DC. Data are displayed alongside laydescriptions and information links tailored to the patient's needs. Results: 3,391 individuals have registered to access their clinical data. In this largely self-selecting group, 31% have type 1 diabetes and 61% are male. 2,015 have completed the enrolment process and 861 have successfully logged in. By the end of 2012, the number of distinct users per month had risen to nearly 300. Conclusions: The system is now a useful additional component for the self-management of diabetes. Although the system has been developed for, and by, stakeholders from across Scotland, it has the potential to connect to any electronic medical record. The current project is expected to reach over 5,000 patients by the end of 2013.