Patient perspectives on a personally controlled electronic health record used in regional Australia

BACKGROUND: Personally controlled electronic health records (PCEHRs) are being implemented throughout Australia; yet few studies have investigated patients' experiences of using a PCEHR. AIM: To explore patients' experiences and perspectives of using a locally developed PCEHR implemented in an Australian health service. METHOD: Twelve patients completed individual semi-structured telephone interviews, which underwent inductive analysis. RESULTS: Participants described two main interdependent advantages of PCEHRs: improved quality of healthcare through better information sharing and enhanced patient capacity for self-management. To realise these advantages, widespread acceptance and use of PCEHRs by healthcare providers is required, and PCEHRs need to be simple to use and accessible. CONCLUSION: PCEHRs can produce tangible benefits for patients. However, maximum benefits will be realised when PCEHRs contain a complete collection of relevant health information and are carefully designed for easy use.