Title: Patient-accessible electronic health records: a qualitative study from the perspective of potential users in the Netherlands

Authors: Nena Kruithof; Esther J. Bloemen-van Gurp; Nadine A.P. Spierts; Edith A.V. Hagedoren-Meuwissen; Jim Bemelen; Marieke D. Spreeuwenberg

Addresses: Expertise Centre for Innovative Care and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Academy for Physical Therapy, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Expertise Centre for Innovative Care and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Profiling Team Empowering Healthy Behaviour, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Dominee Theodor Fliednerstraat 2, 5631 BN Eindhoven, The Netherlands ' Expertise Centre for Innovative Care and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Academy for Occupational Therapy, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Expertise Centre for Innovative Care and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Academy for Occupational Therapy, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Expertise Centre for Innovative Care and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Academy for ICT, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Expertise Centre for Innovative Care and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Nieuw Eyckholt 300, 6419 DJ Heerlen, The Netherlands; Department of Health Services Research (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands

Abstract: The Dutch patient-accessible electronic health record (PAEHR) has recently been implemented on a small scale. Yet, little is known about the users' needs. This study aimed to provide a detailed insight of success and failure factors of the PAEHR. Forty-three citizens and 23 healthcare professionals (HCPs) participated. Audio recordings were transcribed. Open coding was used and codes were put into themes by using NVIVO12. PAEHR leads to more patient-centred care and a more detailed insight into patients' own health status. The barrier identified was the increased workload of HCPs. Citizens stated that there should be more publicity regarding the PAEHR. Citizens like to receive support from their HCP about the PAEHR, but in contrast, HCPs stated that it is not their task to give instructions. The Dutch government needs to think about appropriate strategies to inform their inhabitants and encourage them and their HCPs to implement the PAEHR successfully.

Keywords: online record access; patient accessible electronic health records; implementation; eHealth; digital health; personal health record; health information exchange; qualitative study; user perspective; citizens; healthcare providers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2023.130516

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2023 Vol.13 No.2, pp.169 - 188

Received: 15 Jun 2021
Accepted: 19 May 2022
Published online: 25 Apr 2023 *

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