Patient Access to Medical Information

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper is the first of a 2-part article. In it, the author discusses issues relevant to patient access to medical records. Research findings suggest that the fear of many health practitioners regarding the harmful effects of such access are unjustified. Access to medical information improves patient-doctor relations, increases patient knowledge and compliance, has positive effects on patients' health, and improves the quality of record keeping. Other suggested advantages are increases in the quality of patient care and health practitioners' work satisfaction, and a decrease in malpractice suits. The hypotheses to be tested in a survey of medical practitioners' attitudes to these issues are discussed.