What is Patients Know Best?
Patients Know Best (PKB) is a dynamic platform designed to put health information right where it belongs — in the hands of patients. Imagine having a single place to add, access, and share your health details with healthcare professionals, family, and carers anytime, anywhere. That’s PKB. It’s free for users and funded by hospitals, health boards, or local practices. Since 2008, it’s been trusted by the NHS and continues to grow, now boasting over 5 million registered patients worldwide. Whether on the web, mobile, or through the NHS App, PKB makes managing personal health records straightforward and accessible.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
PKB isn’t just another health app — it’s a comprehensive tool that benefits everyone involved in healthcare. Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes it stand out:
- Over 5 million registered patients and counting
- 20 million+ test results received every month
- 100,000+ new users join every month
- Trusted by the NHS since 2008
- Available on web, mobile, and integrated with the NHS App
These figures highlight the platform’s growing momentum and widespread adoption, making it a key player in personal health record management.
Features That Empower Patients
PKB offers a range of features designed to empower patients and carers alike. Users can see their health information, exchange messages with healthcare professionals, and access care plans and other vital resources. It’s not just about viewing data — patients can add their own information, connect wearable devices, track symptoms, and share everything with carers or other professionals. This level of control and connectivity fosters a more engaged and informed patient experience.
Supporting Healthcare Professionals and Commissioners
Healthcare professionals benefit from PKB by having a centralized, secure platform to communicate with patients and access up-to-date health records. Commissioners and payers also gain from the joined-up care approach, which streamlines data exchange and supports better decision-making. Information officers find PKB invaluable for managing data privacy and compliance, ensuring that patient information is handled responsibly and securely.
Global Reach and Collaborations
PKB’s impact isn’t limited to the UK. The platform recently launched in Saudi Arabia through a collaboration with Al Maarefa University, expanding its footprint and demonstrating its adaptability across different healthcare systems. Additionally, PKB secured a contract for a single patient record system in Lagos, showcasing its capability to support large-scale health record management in diverse settings. These milestones underline PKB’s commitment to improving healthcare access worldwide.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — by enhancing access to personal health records and supporting better healthcare outcomes
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — through innovative digital health solutions
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — by providing equitable access to health information
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — via collaborations with healthcare organizations globally
Why Patients Know Best Matters
In a world where health information is often scattered and hard to access, Patients Know Best brings everything together in one trusted place. It’s more than just a platform — it’s a movement towards patient-centered care, where individuals have the tools to take charge of their health journey. With continuous updates, a strong community, and a clear mission, PKB is shaping the future of personal health records, making healthcare more connected, transparent, and personal.
