Perspectives from neuro-oncology providers on patient access to electronic records: a survey study.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the neuro-oncology providers' experience with patient online access to electronic records. Methods: Cross-sectional survey for physicians and advanced care providers within the field of neuro-oncology in the USA. Results: 65 providers completed the survey, from all major regions of the USA. 58% reported that at least once per month, patients contacted them outside of an office visit about provider notes or a laboratory or imaging finding accessed online. 54% of providers did not think that all laboratory results should be released automatically, and only 25% of providers thought that all radiology reads should be released immediately. 97% thought that some patients suffered substantial distress viewing test results prior to appointments. Qualitative responses aligned with the quantitative results. Conclusion: Most neuro-oncology providers are concerned about the immediate release of laboratory and imaging findings to patients without guidance.

Prior studies had investigated the perspectives of medical providers on patients having immediate access to medical records. However, almost none of them focus on neuro-oncology. In our study, we distributed a survey electronically to neuro-oncology providers across the USA to seek their perspectives. Our results show that most neuro-oncology providers found patients having immediate access to their records to be useful. However, they raised concerns about the immediate release of laboratory and imaging findings to patients without guidance. Our study also included free responses from the neuro-oncology providers that could help mitigate this concern.