title: [When medical records are the best witness].
abstract: This article looks at the development in the increasing use of medical records in the Danish Courts as well as outside the courts in cases of personal injury. The Danish Supreme Court puts the presence of all material above the protection of the confidential relationship between doctor and patient. It is not yet clear to what extent the use of medical records will be accepted. This development raises questions regarding legal security for patients and sets higher requirements for medical and legal personnel. Medical records give important testimony in cases regarding personal injury. It is therefore important for medical personnel to be aware of the content of the medical record, as it might be used and interpreted in the courtroom in a different manner than intended.
authors.affiliation: Personaleafdelingen, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 København Ø. synne.soendergaard@rh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Synne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Søndergaard
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003718:Denmark; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008499:Medical Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology