This is a really interesting area, but the thing that intrigues me most is why the uptake of records access is so low when it is available, even in the hands of practitioners who are putting a lot of time and energy into promoting it. We use EMIS WEB as our practice clinical record system which gives the option of offering online access by patients to their records but we are hesitant about implementing it in th light of experience from other colleagues.
Does anyone know of any research into why patients don't access this facility?
A step forward in shared -decision making?
"90%
of patients believed that open notes would affect their decisions when seeking care
in the future. The vast majority reported an increased sense of
control, greater understanding of their medical issues, improved recall
of their plans for care, and better preparation for future visits.
Perhaps most important clinically, a remarkable number reported becoming
more likely to take medications as prescribed. In contrast to the fears
of many doctors, few patients reported being confused, worried, or
offended by what they read."
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1363511
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1363515
best,
rakesh
