“By implementing Open Notes in our WellStar MyChart patient portal, we are creating a more transparent and collaborative atmosphere for patients to easily understand and access their health information,” Jon Morris, MD, CIO for WellStar Health System, said in a statement. “This strengthens the relationship between our providers and their patients and caregivers, resulting in better care. We believe it is critical that we expand our care teams to include the patient and others; we know this will help patients manage their care more effectively, better understand any medical problems and engage more effectively with their care providers.”
The OpenNotes program, initially tested in a 2010 national study, has produced positive results in terms of patients having better recall after visits, feeling more in control of their care, feeling better educated and having better medication adherence, among others.
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