It should come as no surprise that the digital age has plenty of application for the handling and disseminating

of patients' records. From simply storing

information in computers about individual patients, to sharing that information with others through closed networks or through the internet, there are
many ways that the storage of patient information using computers and networks may impact a patient's care.

Digital record keeping is a form of Health Information Technology or Health IT. It is the domain of those who work on digitizing the records of
patients across the country.

The United States federal government has identified the need for creation of astandardized record system for all patients in America as a priority,
citing the potential for fewer medical errors and deaths as the main reason. Unfortunately, the hurdles of implementation costs and lack of agreement
as to what form that standardization needs to take have stood in the way of adoption.
Electronic record keeping isn't even the norm yet across the US. Privacy and security concerns, the lack of collaboration, and the cost of
implementation have delayed more widespread use. It is being adopted more and more, and may or may not be available where you live.
An empowered patient understands the benefits and possible drawbacks of these systems, and their potential impact on his or her health. She
understands what EMRs, PHRs, and hybrid systems are, and uses that knowledge to improve her navigation through the healthcare system.

http://patients.about.com/od/electronicpatientrecords/a/EMRPHRhistory.htm