Electronic Records in the U.K.

Ivanhoe Newswire
Tuesday, June 17, 2008; 4:15 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – The English government is about to roll out a nationwide electronic record system called Summary Care Record (SCR). The system would allow medical staff to record accessibility through the Internet. While this new program has proven controversial, a new study finds most people are not even aware of it – even though there has been an extensive public information campaign.

Several areas in England have been piloting the new SCR, so researchers from University College London set out to document the views of the public toward SCR. They conducted more than 100 interviews for the study.

Study authors say seven out of ten patients had not heard of the SCR.  In fact, many wrongly believed that electronic records were already shared between health professionals. A patient can opt out of the SCR, and researchers found most people don't want to and are positive about the new system.

Researchers found the most common perceived benefit of the SCR included having medical details safely and consistently in one place and not having to fill out forms or remember what medication they are taking. The most common drawback was possible inappropriate use of their medical records and security breaches.

The SCR will also have HealthSpace, an internet based system where each patient can view their own health records. Study authors found there is a lack of interest in HealthSpace with some calling it pointless and irrelevant. Researchers say people just don't seem interested in viewing their own health record.

SOURCE: Published online at bmj.com on May 29, 2008

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