PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING POST OF ANOTHER CLASSMATE IN 50 WORDS OR MORE AND INCLUDE REFERENCES:

Option 1: Increasingly, patients expect full access to their EMRs and EHRs. What limitations (if any) would be in the best interest of patients?

With increasing patients’ expectations for full access to their Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), there may be some necessary limitations. One major issue is the privacy and confidentiality of highly sensitive health information (Tapuria et al., 2021). Unrestricted access might lead to increased chances of data breaches and unauthorized entry. Strict attention to access controls and patient education about secure data handling is essential.

Another limitation involves the interpretation of medical information. Medical records are often full of elaborate medical terms and data, which without proper context or medical understanding could have a different meaning for patients. This may result in unwarranted worry or self-diagnosis (Tapuria et al., 2021). It may be helpful for patients to be provided with summaries or explanations in layman’s terms.

Finally, there should be considerations in regard to sensitive information. For example, detailed psychiatric evaluations or facts about specific diagnoses might need much care and caution (Tapuria et al., 2021). In such circumstances, a direct access approach might not be the best fit, and more of a mediated function where healthcare professionals are there to provide context and facilitate support.

References

Tapuria, A., Porat, T., Kalra, D., Dsouza, G., Xiaohui, S., & Curcin, V. (2021). Impact of patient access to their electronic health record: systematic review. Informatics for Health and Social Care, 46(2), 194-206.