[Consequences of patients' access to hospital records. A prospective study at a somatic hospital]

The use and consequences of liberalized access to hospital records were evaluated in a prospective questionnaire study. The study was carried out in a branch-specialized somatic university hospital and covered the first 12 months after a statutory change. The patients who applied (or in some cases their relations) and the doctors involved completed separate questionnaires. One hundred and forty two admissions (0.4%) were associated with applications for access to hospital records. Younger patients (18-49 years) applied more often than elderly patients but no sex difference was found. Neonatal and gynecological diseases were associated with relatively high prevalences while tumours and medical diseases were associated with very low prevalences of application. All applications were accorded. The most common motive for application to see records was the wish for more information, and 3/4 of the applicants found the information sought. Access to hospital records was used by only two of 45 patients subsequently lodging complaints about examination or treatment. 96% of the applicants were satisfied with access to their records, and doctors did not consider access to be harmful in any case. The expenses involved were low.