Cancer patients' attitudes and experiences of online access to their electronic medical records: A qualitative study

Health Informatics J. 2018 Jun;24(2):115-124. doi: 10.1177/1460458216658778. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

Abstract

Patients' access to their online medical records serves as one of the cornerstones in the efforts to increase patient engagement and improve healthcare outcomes. The aim of this article is to provide in-depth understanding of cancer patients' attitudes and experiences of online medical records, as well as an increased understanding of the complexities of developing and launching e-Health services. The study result confirms that online access can help patients prepare for doctor visits and to understand their medical issues. In contrast to the fears of many physicians, the study shows that online access to medical records did not generate substantial anxiety, concerns or increased phone calls to the hospital.

Keywords: electronic medical records; medical information; patient access; patient empowerment.

MeSH terms

  • Access to Information / psychology*
  • Electronic Health Records / standards*
  • Health Services Accessibility / standards
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Interviews as Topic / methods
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Patient Access to Records / psychology
  • Patient Access to Records / standards*
  • Patient Participation / methods
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Qualitative Research