In a time when the number of digital healthcare applications is rapidly increasing, many people have questions about how to manage their own medical records. A Personal Health Environment (PHE) offers a solution: an app or online environment where you can neatly organize all your medical data from various healthcare providers. However, using one is not self-evident for everyone. That is precisely why the PHE Information Point exists: a single national point that helps citizens and healthcare providers step by step with everything involved in choosing, using, and understanding a PHE.

From technology to practice: why the information point is needed

In recent years, significant effort has been put into the development of Personal Health Records (PHRs). With support from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, a wide range of different PHR providers has emerged. Logging in with DigiD, choosing a suitable PHR, or understanding why certain data is not yet visible: some users and healthcare providers have questions regarding these matters and could use support.

The PHR Information Point helps remove barriers by acting as a single, clear “front door” for all questions regarding PHRs. It helps users get started immediately with use and assists healthcare providers with care-related questions, such as offering questionnaires within the PHR. The information point is a joint initiative of the Dutch Patients' Federation and the MedMij Foundation, implemented by the Digital Care Helpdesk Foundation.

“The PHR Information Point helps patients use a PHR. Through clear explanations and personal support, people can manage their medical data themselves and make better choices for their care.”– Marcel Heldoorn, Manager Digital Healthcare at the Dutch Patients' Federation.

Three perspectives, one goal

The strength of the PGO Information Point lies in the collaboration between those three parties, each contributing their own role and expertise.

MedMij: the secure foundation
MedMij manages the framework of agreements that ensures medical data can be exchanged securely and reliably between healthcare providers and Personal Health Records (PHRs). Organizations with the MedMij label meet strict requirements regarding privacy and security.

Patients' Federation Netherlands: the voice of the user
The Patients' Federation maps out what patients need and consider important, and brings this to the attention of policymakers, politicians, and the media. Through panels, research, and practical experience from, among others, its members – the Patients' Federation represents approximately 200 patient organizations – and the Information Line, it gathers valuable insights.

Digital Healthcare Helpdesk: practical help
The helpdesk supports people daily with questions about accounts, connections, error messages, or the use of a PGO. They guide users and ensure that technical and practical barriers are removed.

More than an information point: an engine for improvement

The PHR Information Point is not only a place where questions are answered, but also an important link in identifying improvements to PHRs. Every three weeks, the three organizations meet to discuss signals and trends. This allows frequently asked questions or technical issues to be resolved quickly, ensuring continuous improvement of PHRs.

“MedMij ensures the secure exchange of data. Furthermore, through the collaboration with the Digital Healthcare Helpdesk and the Dutch Patients' Federation, we ensure that PHRs are fully usable for the people who need them daily. In this way, digital healthcare becomes accessible to everyone.”Marc van Dijk, Managing Director of Stichting MedMij

Citizen-led

The ultimate goal of PHRs is to give citizens control over their own health. Instead of logging into various portals of general practitioners and hospitals, a PHR offers one central place for medical data, from test results to medication overviews. But technology alone is not enough. People also need to know how to use it.

“Digital healthcare is only valuable if everyone can use it. That is why it is so important that we provide support for the use of Personal Health Records (PHRs). This ensures that no one is left behind and that everyone can take control of their own health.”" says Merlijne Sonneveld, Director of the Digital Care Helpdesk Foundation.

Thanks to personal support and the collaboration between technology, policy, and practice, the PGO Information Point makes it possible for everyone to use a PGO easily and safely.

Do you want to know more or get immediate support?

Visit the PGO information point or contact us via 085 – 303 49 59 or email to pgo@helpdeskdigitalezorg.nl. The team is ready to help you step by step.