As the OpenNotes movement continues to grow, a broad variety of journalists, patients and health care professionals are taking note. Even better, they’re sharing the facts, data, opinions and experiences of those sharing medical notes. See what the buzz is all about.
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.
Patient portals are vital tools for managing health information, providing patients with direct access to medical records, lab results, and communication with healthcare providers. However, two recent publications suggest their full potential is not realized until these portals support shared access for care partners, allowing them to participate in a patient’s healthcare securely and effectively.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center was awarded $30 million in research funding by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for a large study on management strategies for patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Collaborators from OpenNotes will work with Daniel B. Kramer, MD, MPH, and his team to explore patients’ and clinicians’ experiences throughout the study and analyze the data.
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has awarded a $200,000 grant to OpenNotes to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can further propel health information transparency and open communication between patients and their clinicians. This funding initiates exploration into the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare by focusing on how patients use and comprehend clinical documentation.
What links “the world’s most beautiful” violin, a schloss in Salsburg, and a bank president who curses a lot? All are covered in this inspiring talk from Picker’s founding Chair, Dr. Tom Delbanco, who traces his own 55-year career, the development of person centered care, and the roots of the Picker Institute.
In the presentation, Liz Salmi discusses the transformative impact of the OpenNotes initiative, beginning with a 2012 study showing significant benefits for patients and care partners and no major changes for clinicians, and concludes with the impact of the 21st Century Cures Act in the U.S., which vastly expanded patient access to their medical information.
Following the launch of the OpenNotes Lab, the organization introduced today the first of its inaugural advisory board. With domains ranging from patient advocacy to health information technology, entrepreneurship to health policy and equity, OpenNotes Lab advisors will help inform and shape strategic initiatives the organization addresses over the next two years.
Barking up the right tree: OpenNotes launches canine initiative! “Extending open notes to include our canine companions is a natural progression of our mission to promote transparency and patient engagement in healthcare,” said Dr. Catherine M. DesRoches, Executive Director of OpenNotes. “By giving dog owners a sniff of their pet’s medical records, we’re not just fetching information; we’re fetching better care for our beloved companions.”
