When it comes to keeping patients safe, every detail matters. Our new Patient Safety Toolkit outlines why open notes matter for patient safety and offers practical tips for implementation.
OpenNotes News and Research
How might AI, digital health technologies, and open notes transform diagnosis while addressing health disparities? Read highlights from the National Academies Forum on Advancing Diagnostic Excellence.
This study by Vanka, et al, presents 10 guidelines for patient-centered medical documentation, emphasizing respect, clarity, and inclusivity in clinical notes. These principles aim to empower patients, improve trust, and enhance medical education on open notes practices.
Led by OpenNotes, the study, "Mitigating Misinformation & Scanxiety for Cancer Patients," focuses on reducing the stress and confusion patients may face when receiving medical test results electronically before having the opportunity to discuss them with a clinician.
Two OpenNotes leaders, Liz Salmi and Chethan Sarabu, have been honored with prestigious awards for their groundbreaking work in neuro-oncology advocacy and sustainable health informatics—read more about their inspiring achievements.
OpenNotes, an international leader in health transparency research, and Abridge, a leading generative AI platform for clinical documentation, launched a partnership that will bring patient-clinician conversations to the forefront of research to enhance patient notes.
Being a care partner can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. How can health information technology ease some of this burden? Explore innovative ways to support patients and their care partners.
New research identifies promising strategies to enhance transparency, build trust, and standardize the collection of social determinants of health data.
This study tested self-directed tools for older adults with chronic conditions to identify healthcare priorities. Website engagement was low, but 26% completed an Epic previsit questionnaire. Most found it helpful, and physicians noted it facilitated end-of-life care discussions.
Steve O'Neill, LICSW, BCD, JD, was honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-MA). This recognition celebrated Steve’s extraordinary contributions to social work, bioethics, patient care, and transparency in healthcare.
About OpenNotes
OpenNotes is an international movement advocating for greater transparency in healthcare. Through research, innovation, and education, we identify and disseminate best practices for sharing medical information with patients and their care partners.
What is an open note?
When a doctor or other healthcare professional shares their documentation with a patient, it becomes an “open note.” Notes are the story of a person’s health care, and connects other elements in the medical record.
OpenNotes in action
OpenNotes is motivated by evidence indicating that when health professionals offer patients and families ready access to clinical notes, the quality and safety of care improves.
Learn more about our current projects.
- U.S. RESEARCH Engaging family care partners through shared access to the electronic health record.
- OPENNOTES LAB OpenNotes Lab works toward clinician, patient-centered healthcare AI
- U.S. RESEARCH The OurDiagnosis (OurDX) Project is an online tool that searches for potential diagnostic breakdowns in ambulatory care.
- U.S. RESEARCH Teaching medical students to offer open and transparent communication.
How do patients and clinicians use open notes?
When a clinician shares a note with a patient, It becomes an “open note.” Notes are the story of a person’s health care and connects with other elements in their medical records.
- FOR PATIENTS How to get the most out of your notes
- FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Sharing notes with patients: the basics
- FOR PATIENTS How to read an open note
- FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Open notes for mental health clinicians
- FOR PATIENTS How to use notes to help someone else
- FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Sharing notes with care partners
