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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Health Information Management Journal |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 42-48 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISSN | 1833-3583 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2017 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Consumer health information
- Consumer participation
- EHealth
- Electronic health record
- Electronic medical record
- Medical records
- My Health Record
- Patient participation
- Personal health information
- Personal health records
- Personally controlled electronic health records