Online records survey: embrace digital innovation but keep data secure

As MPs discuss online medical records in the Commons Chamber today (26 November), the Medical Protection Society reiterates its concerns that without appropriate safeguards, what could be a revolutionary innovation could lead to patients unable to benefit from the new online system.¹

The government’s plans for patient access to online health records from 2015 has the potential to transform patient care but concerns remain over whether patients will receive much-needed support to use the system safely and appropriately.

In an MPS survey of doctors and the public, 80% of the public and 86% of MPS members said they would be concerned for the security of medical records if they become accessible online. Furthermore, patients expressed concerns about people other than those in the medical profession accessing their records, as more than two-thirds (69%) of the public agreed that their medical records should only be accessible to a healthcare professional.²

Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications at the Medical Protection Society said, 'We should not be afraid to grasp the potential that digital healthcare can provide and we welcome a world where patients can check their medical records, book appointments and order prescriptions online and, ultimately, have virtual consultations with their doctors. However, we have to be mindful of the risks patients face with online access to medical records, particularly in ensuring their private information is safeguarded.

We need to ensure that patients will receive support to look after their personal data and give careful consideration as to whether particularly sensitive information should have restricted access to provide extra peace of mind for patients.'

One of the advantages of online access is that patients can be more involved in their care; however 87% of doctors think online access to records will increase expectations for speedier help. This is supported by over half (54%) of the public expecting a response to an email for “routine support‟ within a day, compared to only 14% of doctors. This difference suggests that what the public expects is at odds with what the doctor thinks is realistic against a backdrop of increasing workloads and limited resources.

Dr Bown of the Medical Protection Society said, 'There needs to be careful efforts to avoid inflating public expectations beyond what can realistically be delivered and creating public disenchantment with what will be a valuable innovation. A more collaborative approach, listening to the concerns of both doctor and patient, could realign patient expectations with the complicated reality of delivering modern healthcare.

It will not be enough to just equip patients with the ability to access their medical records online; patients need to be supported and informed about how to understand and use their information safely, appropriately and effectively.

MPS is pleased to see that this issue is being discussed in parliament today; we want to see that the safeguarding of patient confidentiality is the principle underpinning this technological innovation, so that doctors and patients see online records as an extension of the valuable doctor–patient relationship, rather than a replacement or a threat to it.'