Electronic Personal Health Records for Mobile Populations: A Rapid Systematic Literature Review

Paulien Tensen, Francisca Gaifém*, Simeon Kintu Paul, Frederick Murunga Wekesah, Princess Ruhama Acheampong, Maria Bach Nikolajsen, Ulrik Bak Kirk, Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Per Kallestrup, Charles Agyemang, Steven van de Vijver

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Mobile populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants, face challenges related to access, continuity, and quality of healthcare, among others, due to the lack of available health records. This study aimed to examine the current landscape of Electronic Personal Health Records (EPHRs) developed for and used by mobile populations. Methods: A rapid systematic review was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025, identifying relevant publications through searches in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and grey literature. Results: The literature search yielded 2303 articles, with 74 remaining after title and abstract screening. After full-text screening, 10 scientific articles and 9 grey literature records were included in a qualitative data synthesis. Six distinct EPHRs were identified, differing in how they centralize health records, in additional functionalities, and the level of patient autonomy granted. Discussion and Conclusions: Limited evidence exists on EPHRs impact on health outcomes or continuity of care, and user adoption remains a critical challenge. Key elements in the development and implementation of EPHRs include ensuring a high level of data security and co-designing easy-to-use EPHRs. The review indicates a need for future research on user experiences of EPHRs and their impact on the health outcomes of mobile populations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number488
JournalInternational journal of environmental research and public health
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2025

Keywords

  • digital health
  • electronic personal health record
  • health equity
  • medical data exchange
  • migration
  • mobile populations

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