Dear Neil,
On the Difference Between ‘Records’ and ‘Data’ in Empowering Patients to Access their Personal Medical Records
‘Data’ refers to raw, unprocessed facts or individual pieces of information—such as a patient’s blood pressure reading, temperature, or test result—collected during healthcare delivery. ‘Records’, on the other hand, are organized collections of such data compiled into meaningful formats that provide a complete, contextualized account of a patient’s health status, medical history, diagnosis, treatments, and care outcomes. While data are the building blocks, records transform them into usable knowledge for decision-making, monitoring, and continuity of care.
Empowering patients to access their personal medical records, not just isolated data, enhances transparency, trust, and shared decision-making between healthcare providers and recipients. It enables individuals to understand their health trajectories, manage chronic conditions effectively, seek second opinions, and ensure accuracy in their medical information. Access to records—not merely data—supports patient autonomy, accountability, and engagement, aligning with global movements toward people-centered health systems and the right to health information. Therefore, healthcare institutions must promote policies, digital systems, and literacy initiatives that allow patients to securely view, download, and share their medical records. This empowerment fosters a more informed, equitable, and participatory approach to healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, FAHOA
CEO & Perm. Rep., Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) – CSOs global Network & Think-tank
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HIFA profile: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com