An OpenNotes pilot study has shown allowing patients access to their EHR leads to better medication adherence and a sense of control over their health – now researchers plan to allow patients to add notes to their records as well.
OpenNotes, a project designed to allow patients access to their EHR, is planning to take that concept a step further by allowing patients to make notes in their own records. EHR Intelligence reports that since the study began in 2011 researchers saw an increase in medication adherence after patients were able to read their doctor’s notes. Now, patients will be able to add comments and notes in an effort to collaborate with their physicians on their medical records.
“If you’re a patient, you might have gone to the doctor with an infection and been given antibiotics. So you might write down in this record when your symptoms abated or how you did with the antibiotics,” explained Jan Walker, co-director of the OpenNotes project and a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess and Harvard Medical School to 90.9 WBUR. “Similarly, you might read in your notes that the doctor reminded you to exercise, and you might keep track of your exercise regime to discuss that with your doctor at the next visit.”
Read Katie Wike’s full article here!
