Immediate Release of Electronic Health Information: Clinician and Patient Perceptions

The 21st Century Cures Act mandates the immediate release of electronic health information (EHI) to patients. Researchers surveyed 33 clinicians and 30 patients, conducting interviews with a subset of 8 clinicians and 12 patients to explore their perceptions of this immediate EHI release. Ten themes emerged, revealing differences in how clinicians and patients perceive patient distress and comprehension. The study emphasizes the need for improving communication and patient-centered tools to help patients better understand complex medical information released electronically.