The OpenNotes program—which gives patients real-time, unfettered access to their medical records—was launched five years ago and is now being expanded beyond primary care providers to include medical and surgical specialists, mental health providers, and physical therapists. A new Commonwealth Fund–supported study by Tobias Esch, M.D., of Harvard Medical School and colleagues finds the program has led to improved trust between providers and patients and increased patients’ understanding of their health and ability to take care of themselves.
Online Access to Medical Records Engages Patients, Improves Outcomes
