Since its introduction last year over 2,400 patients with long-term conditions have signed up to use the myhealth@QEHB system, which allows patients to view and update their own medical records online.
A survey of patients actively using the portal has revealed that more than 77% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that ‘by using myhealth@QEHB I am more prepared for hospital visits,’ while 73% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt ‘more in control of my medical care’. The system was developed in-house by University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), which runs the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). It reflects the ‘No decision about me, without me’ principle to give patients high-quality information and support to allow informed choice and shared decision-making. Originally trialled by liver patients, it has now been made available across 13 specialties. Patients are encouraged to give feedback and the system is continually enhanced to give them even more access and flexibility in how they use information to monitor and help manage their care. Further enhancements to the system will include connecting to telehealth devices that will direct bespoke questionnaires to patients to monitor their vital signs, symptoms and treatment compliance at home. Commenting on the system, Daniel Ray, UHB’s director of Informatics, said: “The aim throughout the development of the system has been to enable patients to be more actively involved in contributing to their care. Feedback suggests the system has been well-received by patients and clinicians, who have worked with us to develop its functionality. Increasingly we are hoping it will also improve patients’ communication with their GP, for example, allowing them to log in at the surgery and discuss their results before a letter arrives through the post.”
