An observational study of the NSW parent-held record in a GP setting

Despite recent studies having found that doctors report high use of the parent-held record (PHR), there are no studies in the literature that investigated the actual use, as opposed to reported use, of the PHR by doctors in a general practice setting. This study aimed to clarify some aspects of the actual use of the PHR by doctors in the authors' general practice setting, and by other doctors seen by the clients. The findings were encouraging in showing an increased use of the PHR linked to increased awareness. But the study also showed there is much room for improvement in educating general practitioners and other health workers about the potential benefits of the PHR.