How nurses can support patients to see their records

Nurses should assist service users in accessing to their electronic health records, and ensure confidential data is handled in the individual’s best interests

Personal clinical data is increasingly held electronically, making it easier for clinicians to share when coordinating care.

And while patients can request sight of their personal data and ask for it to be corrected, data-sharing can prompt concerns among some, especially mental health service-users.

Fear of stigma and bias – why patients worry about who sees their data

Healthcare professionals are not necessarily aware of such worries.

Research shows service-users may be uncomfortable sharing mental health data because they fear discrimination. For instance, in accessing physical health services, individuals