Patient perspectives on a personally controlled electronic health record used in regional Australia: 'I can be like my own doctor'. Issue 1 (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hanna, Lisa; Gill, Stephen D; Newstead, Laura; Hawkins, Melanie; Osborne, Richard H
• Is Part Of: Health information management journal. Volume 46:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: electronic health record -- electronic medical record -- eHealth -- personal health records -- personal health information -- patient participation -- consumer participation -- medical records -- consumer health information; personally controlled electronic health records -- My Health Record; Medical records -- Management -- Periodicals; Medical records -- Management -- Australia -- Periodicals; Medical records -- Management; Australia; Periodicals; Periodicals; 651.50426105
• DOI: 10.1177/1833358316661063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1833-3583

Abstract

Background: Personally controlled electronic health records (PCEHRs) are being implemented throughout Australia; yet few studies have investigated patients' experiences of using a PCEHR. Aim: To explore patients' experiences and perspectives of using a locally developed PCEHR implemented in an Australian health service. Method: Twelve patients completed individual semi-structured telephone interviews, which underwent inductive analysis. Results: Participants described two main interdependent advantages of PCEHRs: improved quality of healthcare through better information sharing and enhanced patient capacity for self-management. To realise these advantages, widespread acceptance and use of PCEHRs by healthcare providers is required, and PCEHRs need to be simple to use and accessible. Conclusion: PCEHRs can produce tangible benefits for patients. However, maximum benefits will be realised when PCEHRs contain a complete collection of relevant health information and are carefully designed for easy use.