A method for collecting self-reported data from an individual for use in a clinical trial is provided. The method includes providing a web site allowing the individual to store, organize, and access personal health records associated with the individual and sharing selected personal health records associated with the individual with a clinical trial sponsor. A system for electronic health records includes a web server programmed to provide a secure web-based interface to the electronic health records, means to collect self-reports from an individual participating in a clinical trial, means to disseminate the self-reports from the individual to a clinical trial sponsor, and means to collect health care records from a health care provider of the individual.