LONDON (Reuters), Dec 19 - The U.K. government said on Monday it would back controversial plans to place medical records of patients in England on an electronic database, although people will be able to prevent their details being accessed.
Health minister Lord Warner said the government accepted the recommendations of a task force set up in June, which concluded an electronic national records service was desirable for both patients and clinicians, and would real bring benefits.
"This is especially true when treatment is being delivered where the patient's usual records are not available, for example by paramedics, out of hours centers, walk-in centers and A&E (accident and emergency) departments," Warner said in a statement.
Critics had warned that the new NHS system, part of a multibillion pound IT upgrade, could be open to abuse and could damage the doctor-patient relationship because of fears that confidential details could be shared with unknown others.
The electronic records, known as Summary Care Records, would initially contain "small but important" amount of information such as current medications and allergies, the government said.
Patients would be able to view their details on the HealthSpace Web site or through their GP and to make any amendments.
They would also be able to refuse to allow their records to be shared, although the failure to do so explicitly after a short period of time would be treated as giving consent.
Harry Cayton, the NHS's Director for Patients, said the new system would improve safety and efficiency of care but acknowledged that it needed the full backing of the public and medical staff.
The task force insisted that there would be rigorous controls on accessing individual's information.
"The task force notes that there may be people who do not want their summary care record to be shared or uploaded and how this might be achieved will be considered by an advisory group drawn from patient, clinical, and managerial stakeholders," the Department of Health said.
Pilot schemes will begin early next year.
The British Medical Association said it backed plans for a better records system and welcomed the report's recommendations which alleviated some concerns that that the Summary Care Records would be compulsory.
"It is crucial to the success of the NHS Care Record that the anxieties of both patients and professionals are properly dealt with and that the wishes of patients are fully respected," said James Johnson, the BMA's chairman.
By Michael Holden
Last Updated: 2006-12-18 14:21:05 -0400 (Reuters Health)
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