This following statement taken from Esha's comments rings true for me when remembering the processes of the design and function of our patient centred medical centre in 1995.
"Yet, for our purposes, it is important to remember that for the marginalized population, in the absence of both voice and agency in policies or decision making about health, the empowerment also becomes a symbolic gesture".
We made many real and symbolic gestures when building the patient centred medical centre. Patients met with the architect, designed and ran the information room and its leaflets, weighing scales, blood pressure machine, attached walking group. One or more patients attended each weekly practice management meeting at which mistakes, reorganisations and future plans were discussed.
But the biggest symbolic gesture which marked a real empowerment was sharing the record with our patients- warts and all!
Patients could, and did, spot errors and omissions of administration but rather than being angry they were supportive and one patient said ""proud" that we respected them, their integrity and abilities to let them share and, when necessary, correct or improve the records.
Patients only remember 15% to 20% of what they are told within a consultation often leading to misunderstanding fear and frustration. Seeing the record increases trust, understanding and reduces anxiety and some feelings of exclusion.
Now that the professional guidance, technical, governance, cultural, precedence and legal basis for sharing are established I jope the practice persists.
Interestingly, a couple of UK GP family practice managers that I know, now make it a first step in dealing with complaints, to let the patients view the records - as it fills in gaps in the patients' memories.
Richard
HIFA Profile: Richard Fitton is a retired family doctor - GP, British Medical Association.
Professional interests: Health literacy, patient partnership of trust and implementation of healthcare with professionals, family and public involvement in the prevention of modern lifestyle diseases, patients using access to professional records to overcome confidentiality barriers to care, patients as part of the policing of the use of their patient data
Email address: richardpeterfitton7 AT gmail.com
