This Really Reflects Just How Wrong The Design Of the PCEHR Is. Sad That.

This appeared a few days ago.

The Rules And Tools Of Patient Engagement

12/5/2013 09:45 AM

Kaveh Safavi

Doctors must capitalize on patient curiosity about their own medical records.

For generations, doctors have been saying we want our patients to be more involved in their care, since we know the value engaged patients play in improving outcomes for many preventable illnesses, from heart disease to diabetes. But today, most doctors are not adequately using an available tool to help patients take ownership of their care: the electronic medical record (EMR).

A new Accenture survey shows that the majority of US consumers (84%), armed with their smart phones and home computers, want real access to their electronic medical records. Many individuals (41%) would be willing to switch doctors to have it. But at the same time, just over one-third (36%) say they have full access to their EMR. In contrast, a similar survey of physicians shows the majority (65%) believe patients should only have limited access to their electronic records.

These differing points of view are reminiscent of the time Elaine tried to steal her medical chart on an episode of Seinfeld. Even so, I would argue that patients and doctors can find some common ground.

These trends, as well as other factors, are shifting the role of an EMR system from a mere clinical repository to a platform for shared decision-making between doctors and patients. In this way the process adds transparency and a far more constructive collaboration to the doctor-patient relationship. Increasingly, consumers will seek tools for addressing these two key areas, but they need not exist together to be effective.

Lots more discussion here:

http://www.informationweek.com/healthcare/patient-tools/the-rules-and-tools-of-patient-engagement/d/d-id/1005799?

What is clear from this survey is a point I have made a few times before.

The things patients value with access to an EHR record are many of the things the PCEHR will never to. Pretty sad no one asked to few experts before the program was kicked off.

David.