Open Notes: Toward a New Standard of Care

Tom Delbanco, MD, Professor of General Medicine and Primary Care, and Jan Walker, RN, MBA, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, describe a national movement that invites patients to review their visit notes written by their doctors, nurses, and other clinicians. Evidence suggests that opening up visit notes to patients may improve communication, make care more efficient, and help patients become more actively involved with their health and care.  The presenters show highlights from a multi-site study, discuss considerations for providers adopting open notes, and share plans for future development.