Abstract

A health information bank (HIB) is an organization that allows consumers of health services to collect, store, control and share health information with members in their circle of care. The term was first coined by Bill Dodd in 1998, and was revisited by Prof. Denis Protti in 2008. A review of the literature reveals that the HIB approach is being actively studied. Trial projects are being funded by governments. Furthermore, laws to promote the safe implementation of HIBs are being enacted in the USA and Canada. Although there is a high expectation that improvements in health and wellness will be obtained through the use of HIBs, their long-term economic viability remains uncertain.