In: Nursing
In prior years disposal of paper charts was fairly straightforward. Most charts were organized by year and then disposed of after a 6 year retention period per policy. This concept is murkier in the world of EHR and digital charts. There has been discussions regarding digital disposal of electronic charts, but some providers feel that prior to e-disposal, custody of charts should be transferred to patients.
Do you think that transferring custody of the electronic record is the right approach to electronic record disposal? Would this drive a new form of patient engagement? What consideration should occur for privacy and security?
The patient already has his/her medical history and details of every procedure and medicines in the files or paperwork which is given to him/her which means he/she absolutely does not need any other information in the form of EHR or digital charts.Considering the privacy and security of patient information, it will create a lot of extra work making sure that digital information does not get transferred to any person other than the patient. Also, it is important to preserve details of patients in a legal point of view. Overtyping multiple times so that records won't be visible is a better way to dispose electronic records after 6 years rather than transferring it to the patient.Thus, according to me, transferring custody of electronic record is not the right approach to electronic record disposal.