ER-Forum Blog

Are emergency physicians ready for patients reading their notes?

In the news this week, an Associated Press story authored by Lauran Neergaard raises the question of patients using electronic means to gain access to their doctor's medical notes.

That includes emergency physicians.

The article reports that a study called "OpenNotes" is underway and is testing whether patients will fare better if they're given fast access to the details of their medical chart. The test program is taking place at three hospitals, with 115 doctors and up to 25,000 patients taking part in the study.

Up until now, many patients didn't know they could access their charts. But with more hospitals, emergency rooms and practices implementing EMR – they most likely will soon. So the question is being asked – what will this mean to physicians?  And with growing use of electronic records making access easier, will doctors feel compelled to write easier-to-understand notes to help patients understand their treatment?

So the debate is on – some of which you can read in today's New York Times.

Meanwhile, the Annals of Internal Medicine has posted a survey that addresses the concept of open access progress notes. 

What’s your perspective? Is this the coming of a brave new world for emergency physicians? Or creating a world of trouble? And if this system takes hold, how will it affect the way you take notes?