Electronic Health Records: Non-Swedish Speaking Refugee’s Perspective

Abstract

Electronic health record (EHR) is a ubiquitous e-health tool that includes both Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and personal health record (PHR). EHR is aimed to be a versatile digital tool that can benefit both caregivers and patients through Quick and easy access to medical information at any time from hospitals or primary care. However, the fact that the bulk of core records, including self-service data for patients, is only available in Swedish may limit the scope, availability and feasibility of self service through EHRs access for refugee patients who are non-Swedish speakers. Research results suggest that the EHRs should be meaningful, modified, and improved based on patient’s needs, by actively involving patients in their healthcare. The issues such as EHRs an information sharing communication System, lack of Information about using EHR, language barrier a hinderance in using EHR, EHRs as medical recommendation system, better instructions about EHRs, presenting medical information in diagnosis part in EHRs in other languages and presenting medical information in diagnosis part in EHRs by sound are very important to address non-Swedish speaking refugee patients’ needs to use EHRs.