For generations, doctors in England have been saying they want patients to be more involved in managing their health. Doctors know that an engaged fruitful patient/ doctor relationship can improve outcomes for many preventable illnesses from heart disease to diabetes.
But today, most doctors are not adequately using an available tool to help patients take ownership of their care: the electronic medical record (EMR).
A new survey shows that roughly three-quarters of patients (77 per cent) in England, armed with their smart phones and home computers, want real access to their electronic medical records and that many individuals (42 per cent) would be willing to switch doctors to have it.
But at the same time, only 10 per cent say they have full access to their EMR. In contrast, a similar survey of physicians shows the majority (60 per cent) believe patients should only have limited access to their electronic records.
These trends, as well as other factors, are shifting the role of an EMR system from a mere clinical repository to a platform for shared decision-making between consumers and patients.
When patients are part of the record-keeping process, such as self-tracking their personal health information, it can increase their understanding of their condition and the required treatment.
In this way, it adds transparency and a far more constructive collaboration to the doctor-patient relationship.
Enabling digital tools in England for patients to collaborate with doctors
Similar to taking charge in other areas of their lives, patients want simple tools, such as email and appointment scheduling, for helping them work with their providers in co-managing their care.
The survey shows 72 per cent of consumers believe it’s important to be able to consult their provider via email, but only 27 per cent of patients and doctors are currently able to do so.
Similarly, three-quarters of consumers believe it’s important to request prescription refills electronically, yet only a third have this ability.
For doctors, the challenge is to foster actual commitment around things that actually matter to create better medical outcomes. Like any relationship, if you start with points of common ground, it is easier to develop a path to achieve mutual satisfaction and optimal outcomes
