The Effect of Patient Accessible Electronic Health Records on Communication and Involvement in Care - A National Patient Survey in Sweden.

Abstract

During recent years, patient accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) have been implemented nationally in Sweden, as well as internationally, as a means of supporting patient engagement and shared decision making. Few studies have, however, investigated the long-term effects of PAEHRs on communicaiton with care professionals and involvement in care. The national survey study presented here, answered by 2587 patients in Sweden, focuses on these aspects specifically. The results show that the Swedish PAEHR system Journalen has had a positive impact on communication with care overall (84% agree or strongly agree with that communication with medical staff has improved), but only 31% agree or strongly agree with that the content of the PAEHR is discussed with care professionals. Journalen also seems to have a positive impact on involvement in care, but the results are mixed when it comes to effects on shared decision making.