BMA criticises lack of information on electronic records

The British Medical Association has suggested that not enough is being done to provide patients with information on electronic medical records.

Concerns have been raised that government plans to introduce a central database of summary care records have been rolled out too fast, which means that many UK residents are unaware that they have been automatically enrolled for participation.

Moreover, the body suggested that those who do wish to opt out are finding it unnecessarily difficult to do so, as information packs on the scheme do not include an exemption form.

John May from the BMA’s patient liaison group, stated that more needs to be done to provide information to the majority of patients who are unaware of the scheme’s implications.

He said: “There needs to be a higher profile national information campaign to ensure everyone can make an informed choice about whether or not they want to be included.”

Last month, the BMA expressed concern that doctors are missing out on essential training because of European-mandated reduced working hours, which could be impacting negatively on the quality of patient care.