Getting results for hematology patients through access to the electronic health record.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Wiljer
David
D
Knowledge Management and Innovation, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto. David.Wiljer@uhn.on.ca
Bogomilsky
Sima
S
Catton
Pamela
P
Murray
Cindy
C
Stewart
Janice
J
Minden
Mark
M
D022126:Access to Information / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016494:Computer Security; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009864:Ontario; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload