Patient perspectives on a personally controlled electronic health record used in regional Australia

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.

Keywords

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

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