Providing access to records has many benefits to patients and is an important step in patient empowerment, however, GPs are faced with the challenge of balancing the need for patient access with the need to protect sensitive patient information. All GP surgeries are required to give all patients in England online access to new information as it is added to their GP health record. Patients with online accounts, such as through the NHS App, should be able to read new entries, including free text, in their health records. Currently, this Applies to future (prospective) record entries, whilst access to historic records is still to be requested by patients, to allow practices the opportunity to screen entries which may need to be hidden from online visibility. More information can be found with the guidance for Online access to GP health records site.

To address this challenge, GP practices should adopt a risk-based approach to patient record access. This involves assessing the potential risks associated with granting access to patient records and taking appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. For example, GPs may need to consider the risk of data breaches, unauthorised access, and patient confidentiality.

Overall, GPs should approach patient record access with caution and take appropriate measures to protect patient confidentiality and data security. By adopting a risk-based approach, GPs can ensure that patients have access to their records while safeguarding sensitive information from potential threats. The NHS has provided lots of guidance including films to support staff with providing online services.

Benefits for GP practices

• Online access to records can reduce the number of phone calls and inquiries to GP practices as patients can access the information they need online.
• Online access to records can improve the efficiency of GP practices by reducing administrative tasks such as printing and mailing records or answering patient inquiries.
• Online access to records can improve continuity of care as patients easily access and review all their health information, allowing them to be better prepare for consultations with different clinicians. Patients can also check their records and ensure everything is accurate and up-to-date.

Benefits for patients

• Online access to records allows patients to have a better understanding of their health and medical history
• Patients can review their records to see what treatments they have received, what medications they have been prescribed and what tests they have undergone. This information can help patients make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices
• Online access to records improves patient awareness and understanding of their medical history. This can help patients when they are discussing their health with clinicians, potentially improving the outcomes of their care. This is particularly important for patients with chronic conditions who may see multiple healthcare providers
• Online access to records means a patient can easily review their records to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date, which can help to prevent errors in treatment or medication
• Online access to records can save time can save patients time by them not having to contact their practice about their medical history

Resources

• Reflections on risk – how to approach prospective record access
• Exploring some of the benefits of online access to GP health records
• Switching on access at your practice
• What General Practice staff should know
• Safeguarding patients from harm or distress

Next page: Good practice guidelines for GP electronic patient records