Patients', carers' and healthcare providers' views of patient‐held health records in Kerala, India

A qualitative exploratory study

Bibliographic Data

ID19507481
AuthorsLinju Joseph (0000-0003-2043-1097, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK), Sheila Greenfield (0000-0002-8796-4114, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK), Manaseki-Holland (0000-0001-5827-8855, University of Birmingham), Semira Manaseki‐Holland (Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK), T R Lekha (Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology), Lekha T R (Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Trivandrum Kerala India), Sujakumari S (Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Trivandrum Kerala India), Panniyammakal Jeemon (0000-0003-4172-4307, Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology), Jeemon Panniyammakal (Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology Trivandrum Kerala India), Anna Lavis (0000-0002-1080-2512, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume26
Issue3
Pages1081-1095
Publication date2023-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.13721
PMID36782391
OpenAlexW4320709217
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited54

INTRODUCTION: Poor medical information transfer across healthcare visits and providers poses a potential threat to patient safety. Patient-held health records (PHRs) may be used to facilitate informational continuity, handover communication and patient self-management. However, there are conflicting opinions on the effectiveness of PHRs, other than in maternal and child care. Moreover, the experiences of users of PHRs in low- and middle-income countries are critical in policy decisions but have rarely been researched. AIM: This study aimed to explore similarities and differences in the perspectives of patients, carers and healthcare providers (HCPs) on the current PHRs for diabetes and hypertension in Kerala. METHODS: A qualitative design was used comprising semistructured interviews with patients with diabetes/hypertension (n = 20), carers (n = 15) and HCPs (n = 17) in Kerala, India. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Themes generated regarding the experiences with PHRs from each user group were compared and contrasted. The themes that arose were organized under three headings: use of PHRs in everyday practice; the perceived value of PHR and where practice and value conflict. We found that in the use of PHRs in everyday practice, multiple PHRs posed challenges for patients carrying records and for HCPs locating relevant information. Most carers carried all patients' past PHRs, while patients made decisions on which PHR to take along based on the purpose of the healthcare visit. HCPs appreciated having PHRs but documented limited details in them. The perceived value of PHRs by each group for themselves was different. While HCPs placed value on PHRs for enabling better clinical decision-making, preventing errors and patient safety, patients perceived them as transactional tools for diabetes and hypertension medications; carers highlighted their value during emergencies. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that users find a variety of values for PHRs. However, these perceived values are different for each user group, suggesting minimal functioning of PHRs for informational continuity, handover communication and self-management. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: Patients and carers were involved during the pilot testing of topic guides, consent and study information sheets. Patients and carers gave their feedback on the materials to ensure clarity and appropriateness within the context

Exploratory research · Focus group · Health care · Patient experience · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Electronic Health Records Systems · Hospital Admissions and Outcomes · Medicine · Nursing · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare

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