A follow-up study of the use of a patient-held record in mental health

Abstract

Aims and method: Patient-held records have been introduced in mental health over the past 2 decades. This follow-up study aimed to evaluate one pilot project 5 years after the records were introduced. All patients initially interviewed 4 years previously were approached and asked about their use and opinion of the record. Results: Of the 19 people interviewed, 12 were still using the record and had a positive opinion of its usefulness. Of all community mental health team contacts, 72% were recorded in the patient-held notes. Clinical implications: Patient-held records are sustainable in a naturalistic clinical setting over the period of 5 years.