Learn some tips and tools to help you keep track of your patient's records, as a patient advocate dealing with a complex medical history.

We need CARES VISION C - Comprehensive Assessment: A - Accessible Records: whether digital or physical, to streamline information retrieval. R - Regular Updates: to keep the patient's medical information current and accurate. E - Electronic Health Records (EHR): for efficient storage, retrieval, and sharing of patient data. S - Summary Sheet: summarizing key medical information V - Visualize Trends: Use graphs or visual aids I - Integration of Care Team: Foster communication S - Secure Data: adhering to all relevant regulations. I - Inclusive Patient Involvement: encouraging them to actively participate in decision-making. O - Organized Follow-ups: to monitor the patient's progress N - Novel Approaches:

You have a patient with a complex medical history. How can you keep track of all their records?

As a patient advocate, you may have to deal with patients who have multiple chronic conditions, medications, allergies, tests, procedures, and providers. Keeping track of all their records can be challenging, but also crucial for ensuring their safety and quality of care. In this article, you will learn some tips and tools to help you manage your patient's complex medical history.

1 Use a patient portal

A patient portal is a secure online platform that allows patients and their authorized representatives to access their health information, communicate with their providers, request appointments, refill prescriptions, and more. A patient portal can help you keep track of your patient's records, as well as update them on any changes or results. You can also use the portal to ask questions, clarify instructions, or report any problems or concerns. To use a patient portal, you will need to register with your patient's provider and obtain a username and password.

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Dr Ajay Vasant Rotte, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, MBBS FIDM MBA PhD CPHQ

Medical Director at Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital and nursing college , NABH assessor, Diabetologist, University Professor, researcher, Fitness enthusiast, Yogi,Speaker,Author ,singer, devotee
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We need CARES VISION C - Comprehensive Assessment: A - Accessible Records: whether digital or physical, to streamline information retrieval. R - Regular Updates: to keep the patient's medical information current and accurate. E - Electronic Health Records (EHR): for efficient storage, retrieval, and sharing of patient data. S - Summary Sheet: summarizing key medical information V - Visualize Trends: Use graphs or visual aids I - Integration of Care Team: Foster communication S - Secure Data: adhering to all relevant regulations. I - Inclusive Patient Involvement: encouraging them to actively participate in decision-making. O - Organized Follow-ups: to monitor the patient's progress N - Novel Approaches:

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Patrick M.

Production Safety Representative
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The use of patient portals facilitate seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers. Patients can use the portal to ask questions, seek clarification on instructions, and report any problems or concerns. This open channel of communication not only fosters a sense of partnership between patients and healthcare providers but also ensures that patients have a platform to voice their concerns and receive timely feedback. Improved communication leads to better-informed decision-making and ultimately contributes to more personalized and effective care.

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2 Create a personal health record

A personal health record (PHR) is a document that summarizes your patient's health history, including their diagnoses, medications, allergies, immunizations, family history, and lifestyle factors. A PHR can help you keep track of your patient's records, as well as share them with other providers or caregivers. You can create a PHR using a paper format, a digital format, or a combination of both. Some patient portals may also offer a PHR feature that allows you to download or print your patient's records.

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Pamela D Wilson

Healthcare | Caregiver Support | Patient Advocacy | Dementia Care | Elder Care Planning | Public Speaker | Expert Witness | Collaborator
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When I was a care manager and professional fiduciary, I used a care plan that was regularly updated with a variety of information, i.e., care providers, past surgeries, MDPOA, POA living will, will, trust, DNR or MOST form, physicians, and specialists, etc. Then, separately on a secure server we maintained full records of all medical visits, hospitalizations, discharge paperwork, etc. One person in our office was responsible for collecting, reviewing, saving, and updating the care plan with this information. The benefit was that we caught medication errors and requests for duplicate treatments and were better able to manage medical costs and care for our clients/patients because we had systems and processes in place.

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3 Use a patient advocacy software

A patient advocacy software is a specialized tool that helps you manage your patient's complex medical history, as well as coordinate their care and advocate for their rights. A patient advocacy software can help you keep track of your patient's records, as well as organize them into categories, timelines, charts, or reports. You can also use the software to store documents, photos, videos, or audio files related to your patient's health. Some patient advocacy software may also offer features such as reminders, alerts, notes, tasks, or feedback.

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4 Keep a journal or log

A journal or log is a simple but effective way to keep track of your patient's records, as well as document their progress, symptoms, experiences, or emotions. A journal or log can help you keep track of your patient's records, as well as identify any patterns, trends, or changes in their health. You can also use the journal or log to express your own feelings, thoughts, or challenges as a patient advocate. You can keep a journal or log using a notebook, a computer, or a mobile app.

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5 Review and update regularly

Reviewing and updating your patient's records regularly is essential for keeping track of their complex medical history, as well as ensuring their accuracy and completeness. Reviewing and updating your patient's records regularly can help you keep track of your patient's records, as well as catch any errors, discrepancies, or gaps in their information. You can also use the opportunity to ask your patient for their feedback, input, or preferences regarding their care. You should review and update your patient's records at least once a year, or whenever there is a significant change in their health or treatment.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You have a patient with a complex medical history. How can you keep track of all their records?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use a patient portal

2 Create a personal health record

3 Use a patient advocacy software

4 Keep a journal or log

5 Review and update regularly

6 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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You have a patient with a complex medical history. How can you keep track of all their records?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use a patient portal

2 Create a personal health record

3 Use a patient advocacy software

4 Keep a journal or log

5 Review and update regularly

6 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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