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BackgroundPatient access to on-line primary care electronic patient records is being developed nationally. Knowledge of what happens when patients access their electronic records is poor.AimTo enable 100 patients to access their electronic records for the first time to elicit patients' views and to understand their requirements.Design of studyIn-depth interviews using semi-structured questionnaires as patients accessed their electronic records, plus a series of focus groups.SettingSecure facilities for patients to view their primary care records privately.MethodOne hundred patients from a randomised group viewed their on-line electronic records for the first time. The questionnaire and focus groups addressed patients' views on the following topics: ease of use; confidentiality and security; consent to access; accuracy; printing records; expectations regarding content; exploitation of electronic records; receiving new information and bad news.ResultsMost patients found the computer technology used acceptable. The majority found viewing their record useful and understood most of the content, although medical terms and abbreviations required explanation. Patients were concerned about security and confidentiality, including potential exploitation of records. They wanted the facility to give informed consent regarding access and use of data. Many found errors, although most were not medically significant. Many expected more detail and more information. Patients wanted to add personal information.ConclusionPatients have strong views on what they find acceptable regarding access to electronic records. Working in partnership with patients to develop systems is essential to their success. Further work is required to address legal and ethical issues of electronic records and to evaluate their impact on patients, health professionals and service provision.

Type

Journal article

Journal

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners

Publication Date

01/2004

Volume

54

Pages

38 - 43

Addresses

Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Headington. cecelia.pyper@public-health.ox.ac.uk

Keywords

Humans, Focus Groups, Medical Records Systems, Computerized, Attitude to Computers, Attitude to Health, Confidentiality, Patient Access to Records, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Security Measures, Female, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires