Getting results for hematology patients through access to the electronic health record.

PURPOSE

To conduct a needs assessment to identify patient and provider perceptions about providing patients with access to their electronic health record in order to develop an online system that is appropriate for all stakeholders.

METHODS

Malignant hematology patients were surveyed and health care providers were interviewed to identify issues and validate concerns reported in the literature. Based on the analysed data, a prototype will be designed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of providing patients with access to their electronic health record and tailored information.

RESULTS

61% of patients reported using the internet to find health information; 89% were interested in accessing their electronic health record and 79% stated they would benefit from educational material along with the results. Staff members viewed patient online access to the record favourably, but expressed the importance of providing the necessary patient support and education. A Web-based prototype was developed for patients to review their registration data and blood results.

CONCLUSIONS

Hematology oncology patients are more interested in using the internet to monitor their clinical information than to find health information. Using the constructed prototype, the feasibility of this project is currently being tested.