News
EMIS offers GP practices system for patients to access health
records online
9 July 2008
EMIS is offering GP practices the ability to give patients secure
access to their medical records online. The free service is being
offered to practices that use the EMIS PCS or LV clinical systems as
part of a nationwide trial.
Surgeries that choose to offer the service to patients will use EMIS'
online electronic health records access system, to give medical record
access from any Internet-enabled PC with a web browser.
The project allows patients to view their records using
'authenticated access', which is strictly controlled by individual
passwords and PINs.
Patients can view a summary of their GP's most recent entries,
details of consultations, diagnoses, investigations and procedures,
results, vaccinations, medication and letters.
Practices also benefit, as patients can view letters, results and
immunisations without the need to contact a doctor or a receptionist.
Patients must have the EMIS access system activated, as patient
record access is made available through this. Access to records is
provided through the PAERS (Patient Access Electronic Record System)
medical record viewer. Patients who wish to have online access to their
medical records must sign up for the Online Electronic Health Record
using the EMIS Access area of the EMIS clinical system after a
consultation with the practice. The passwords and PINs required for
access will then be issued.
Dr Brian Fisher, whose Wells Park Practice in Lewisham pioneered
patient access to paper and electronic medical records, said: "Our
research has shown that patient medical record viewing can improve
consultations, provide patient reassurance and reduce the risk of error.
The service will empower patients by giving them greater access to their
medical record in a way that is user-friendly, safe and secure."
The trial is supported by the Records Access Collaborative (RAC), a
group of practices, health professionals and patients dedicated to
increasing patient access to medical records. The RAC has a website for
GPs and patients with information about the benefits and potential risks
of providing online access to records [1].
In addition to rolling out the service, a strong emphasis is being
placed on educating patients about records access.
Dr Amir Hannan, a GP at Haughton Thornley Medical Centre, has been
leading records access in Hyde. He said: "Giving patients access to
their medical record helps to build the partnership of trust between
clinician and patient. At the same time, it encourages improved
self-care. This is a positive milestone for both clinicians and
patients."
To help patients find information about items in their record, the
easy-to-navigate system includes links to NHS Direct Online, Patient UK
and patient information leaflets, so patients can find additional
information about items in the record.
Sean Riddell, EMIS' Managing Director, said the roll out reflects a
new era in healthcare delivery. He added: "Increasingly patients are
becoming more involved in choosing and delivering their own healthcare,
so offering medical record viewing will help patients become more
informed when making decisions that affect their health.
Reference
1. The Records Access Collaborative website:
www.record-access-collaborative.org
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