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The provision and impact of online patient access to their electronic health records (EHR) and transactional services

A paper published in the journal Informatics in Primary Care describes the protocol for a systematic review of the provision and impact of online patient access to their electronic health records (EHR) and transactional services on the quality and safety of health care. The review aims to assess the factors that may affect the provision of online patient access to their EHR and transactional services, and the impact of such access on the quality and safety of health care. Developers have piloted improvements in communication, changed patterns of practice and patient empowerment from online access to electronic health records. International studies of online services, such as prescription ordering, online appointment booking and secure communications with primary care, show good uptake of email consultations, accessing test results and booking appointments; when technologies and business process are in place. Online access and transactional services are due to be rolled out across England by 2015; this review will explore the impact of online access to health records and other online services on the quality and safety of primary health care.

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