Providing mental health care in the context of online mental health notes: advice from patients and mental health clinicians. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pisciotta, Maura; Denneson, Lauren M.; Williams, Holly B.; Woods, Susan; Tuepker, Anais; Dobscha, Steven K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 28:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Health information technology -- mental health -- patient portal -- veterans; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2018.1521924
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The OpenNotes initiative provides patients online access to their clinical notes. Mental health clinicians in the Veterans Health Administration report a need for guidance on how to provide care, write notes, and discuss them in the context of OpenNotes. Aim: To provide mental health clinicians recommendations identified by patients and clinicians that help them effectively practice in the context of OpenNotes. Method: Twenty-eight mental health clinicians and 28 patients in mental health care participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences and perceptions with OpenNotes. A rapid review approach was used to analyze transcripts. Results: Analysis of interviews identified three domains of advice for mental health clinicians: writing notes that maintain the therapeutic relationship, communicating with patients about their notes and utilizing clinical notes as a patient resource to enhance care. Specific recommendations are provided. Conclusion: Findings provide mental health clinicians with guidance from service users and clinicians on how to leverage clinical notes to maintain – and potentially enhance –therapeutic relationships in a healthcare system in which patients are able to read their mental health notes online.