Physicians are urging for a change to prevent patients from receiving distressing medical news in isolation without the empathetic support of a healthcare provider. They have raised concerns about the N.L. Health Services’ new app, MyChart, which allows patients to view critical medical results before their doctors do.
According to Dr. Cynthia Slade, the president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, there have been instances where patients discovered troubling news, such as a miscarriage or a cancer diagnosis, through the app without their doctors being informed. This has led to heightened anxiety for patients and their families.
The NLMA suggests that introducing a delay between the release of medical test results to doctors and patients could alleviate some of the stress associated with receiving such news. Dr. Slade believes that a 24 to 48-hour delay would enable physicians to review the results, contact the patients, and deliver the information in a compassionate manner.
Additionally, the current system is placing additional burdens on healthcare providers, with some spending extra hours outside of work hours reviewing test results to ensure they reach out to patients promptly.
Patients gained access to their health information through the CorCare digital system before MyChart was introduced, allowing for easier access to medical records and test results. The NLMA had previously advocated for a delay in the system’s launch to avoid patients receiving distressing news unexpectedly.
In response to the concerns raised, NLHS interim CEO Ron Johnson emphasized the benefits of patients having greater control over their healthcare information. He highlighted that patient access to such information can aid in preventing oversights and promoting informed discussions with healthcare providers.
While Johnson acknowledged the evolving nature of the issue, he believes that the advantages of patient access outweigh the risks. However, the NLMA remains dissatisfied, expressing the importance of providing patients with results in a supportive and compassionate manner rather than restricting their access.
Overall, the debate continues between the need for patient empowerment through access to medical information and the importance of delivering sensitive news in a caring and timely manner within the healthcare system.