As part of the 21st Century Cures Act, patients will gain immediate and free access to physicians’ notes beginning April 5. Although they have had the right to request and view their entire medical records for more than 50 years, they will soon be able to see these notes in their online medical record on myhealth.
“I think this is a positive for the physician-patient relationship. Patients will be able to review recommendations and enhance participation in their healthcare,” said NKCH Chief Medical Information Officer Todd Beardman, MD, who also is a hospitalist with Meritas Health Hospitalists. “For example, when a physician has provided recommendations or guidance to a patient, this allows the patient to go back and read the note. Then maybe it sinks in a little bit more, so they take the message to heart and take action.”
Clinical Benefits
In addition to patients gaining an improved understanding of their medical conditions, researchers with OpenNotes found patients:
- Are better prepared for visits
- Feel more in control of their care
- Recall their care plan more accurately
- Take better care of themselves
- Take their medications as prescribed more frequently
- Have more successful conversations and stronger relationships with their physicians
Writing Style
Dr. Beardman cautioned some physicians may be apprehensive about opening their writing style to patient readers. He is confident adjustments in language around sensitive topics, such as obesity or addiction can be modified.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends these for tips for writing patient-friendly notes:
- Be transparent.
- Minimize jargon and abbreviations.
- Highlight the patient’s strengths, achievements and problems.
- Describe behaviors rather than labeling the patient or making judgements.
Todd Beardman, MD
Dr. Beardman earned his medical degree from and was resident in internal medicine/pediatrics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.