Starting in 2010, more than 100 primary care physicians affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., and Harborville Medical Center in Seattle volunteered to allow a combined 200,000 patients to read their EMR notes through a secure online portal.
Although the portals were used by a minority of patients, those who did use the portal reported feeling more engaged in their care, and more than two-thirds reported improved medication adherence. Additionally, physicians were surprised how few patients were upset or troubled by reading the unedited notes, considering the physicians did not modify or tone down the notes in any way.
After the first year, 99 percent of patients wanted access to their EMR notes to continue, and 85 percent said access to physicians’ notes would affect their choice of care facility in the future.
More Articles on Patient Portals:
The Meaning Behind Meaningful Use
Little Evidence for Patient Portal Benefits, Study Says
Parents Want (Free) Email Consults With Physicians
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
