Giving patients their own records in general practice: experience of patients and staff

Abstract

Patients have reacted positively to seeing their medical records in a general practice which has a predominantly working class population in south east London. Most patients were familiar with the information in their records. Older people tended to avoid reading their notes. There have been few inaccuracies and unpleasant reactions reported, and few problems have arisen.

KIE: Physicians in a general practice in a working class neighborhood in London decided to allow patients to read their medical records. A survey showed that most patients did take advantage of this policy, understood the notes, and found them helpful and interesting. Upsetting feelings were experienced by 11%. Of those who did not read the notes, only four (17%) were frightened by what they might read, while others stated that they did not have their glasses, could not read, did not think it was their place, thought the notes would not be interesting, or did not understand the policy. Problems concerning early signs of serious disease, third party desire not to reveal information, and encouragement of litigation are discussed. Sharing records is thought to encourage trust and to be reassuring when carried out with simple precautions.