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Updated: May 21, 2026

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
[Expectations of patients with severe mental health conditions regarding open notes - mixed methods study]
Jonas Wördemann1,2, Eva Meier-Diedrich1,2, Mareike Weibezahl1,2
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentrum für Seelische Gesundheit, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg, Rüdersdorf, Germany.
Objective:
Open Notes provide patients with digital access to clinical notes and are internationally regarded as a tool to enhance transparency and autonomy. Data on expectations of psychiatric patients in Germany are lacking.
Methods:
108 patients from three psychiatric outpatient clinics completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.
Results:
Patients expected increased transparency, improved preparation and follow-up, and more intensive communication with clinicians. Reported challenges included comprehension difficulties and emotional burden. Concerns about data security and workload were also expressed. The involvement of relatives was viewed ambivalently.
Discussion:
Findings align with international evidence but highlight specific potentials and research needs in the German healthcare context.
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