That’s the question addressed in this JAMA study that invited 136K patients to view their chart. Answer: 21% of those who read at least 1 note (23K) perceived a mistake. Some were significant. Some interesting examples are found on Table 3, include:
“Pathology report summary stated I had 2 positive lymph nodes but detailed report stated 3 positive lymph nodes. That changes the staging and the treatment options. My physician had only read the summary and didn't realize I had 3 positive lymph nodes.”
“Wrong BMI; told [as a result that] I was not to be put on a heart lung transplant list.”
“I found an incorrect dosage on a note that was being used by a referred physician for an infusion. The dosage was incorrect by 10-fold.”
“Erroneously stat[ed] that I had no family history of colon cancer; I have a number of colon cancers in my family, including one death.”
“Reference to my left testicle (I’m female).”
“Provider...documented plan of care never discussed with me resulting in delay in my care.”
“Was counseled to have an elective abortion for blighted ovum because the sac had reached 25 mm without fetal pole or yolk sac being visible on ultrasound. [I] compared [the] note to my ultrasound report [which] noted it was only 2.5 mm.”
What is your organization doing to gain the most benefit from OpenNotes for all involved?
