What is the primary purpose of health record banks?

The primary purpose of health record banks is to securely store personal health records. These banks serve as centralized repositories for individuals to maintain their health information safely and privately. By doing so, they enhance patient empowerment, allowing individuals to access their health records easily and enabling better coordination of care among healthcare providers.

Health record banks are designed to provide a level of security and privacy that aligns with legal and ethical standards so that individuals can control who has access to their information. This fosters trust in the healthcare system, encourages patients to manage their health actively, and facilitates better-informed decision-making regarding their care.

In contrast, making health information public or creating new medical databases for research does not align with the fundamental function of health record banks, as these initiatives would compromise patient confidentiality. Similarly, managing medical records temporarily does not reflect the overarching goal of health record banks, which is to maintain secure, long-term access to personal health information.