e-Health records: beware of assumed benefit

Ray Moynihan rings some notes of caution coming from experiences elsewhere

Change is perennial in health care, but some changes are more significant than others, like the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) currently being rolled out across Australia. An ambitious reform, its much-touted benefits are safer and more effective care, less duplication of unnecessary tests — and, of course, enhanced datasets for researchers. As with most things medical, potential adverse consequences can attract less attention than promises, so it may be timely to explore a few experiences elsewhere.