Impact of providing patients access to electronic health records on quality and safety of care: a systematic review and meta-analysis (20 May 2020)

Summary

Providing patients with access to electronic health records (EHRs) may improve quality of care by providing patients with their personal health information, and involving them as key stakeholders in the self-management of their health and disease. With the widespread use of these digital solutions, there is a growing need to evaluate their impact, in order to better understand their risks and benefits, and to inform health policies that are both patient-centred and evidence-based.

The main objective of this systematic review from Neves et al. was to assess the impact of these interventions on the six dimensions of quality of care. The findings suggest that providing patients with access to EHRs can improve patient safety and effectiveness