OpenNotes Project “levels the playing field” between doctors and patients

Lauren Vogel

doi:10.1503/cmaj.109-3662

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Level playing field for everyone
Jonathan C Down FRCPC

Posted on: 18 October 2010

Posted on: (18 October 2010)
Page navigation anchor for Level playing field for everyone
Level playing field for everyone
Jonathan C Down FRCPC, Victoria, BC
Having free and secure access to one's medical records is an important step in improving the quality of both primary and specialty medical care. As a specialist in developmental paediatrics it has been my practice for several years to send a copy of my report to the patient's legal guardian. As indicated in Lauren Vogel's article on the OpenNotes Project (CMAJ October 5,2010 182 (14) 1497-8) giving a patient/parent t...
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Having free and secure access to one's medical records is an important step in improving the quality of both primary and specialty medical care. As a specialist in developmental paediatrics it has been my practice for several years to send a copy of my report to the patient's legal guardian. As indicated in Lauren Vogel's article on the OpenNotes Project (CMAJ October 5,2010 182 (14) 1497-8) giving a patient/parent the chance to read what has been written improves communication, encourages patient/family participation, and it is a method of quality control. On several occasions I have amended a report- based on a parent's proof reading skills- indicating the importance of providing accurate information. It may also decrease medico-legal vulnerability, since the medical report has been "reviewed" by the patient/family-and accepted. There are additional costs involved-but electronic health records would mitigate these expenses. Transparency makes for good quality health care
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.