about this study
We know that up to 80% of medical information discussed verbally in a consultation is subsequently forgotten by patients after their clinic visit.
Providing patients with a recording of key medical information – whether it be a consultation with an oncologist or physiotherapist or nursing education session – has been shown to improve understanding and recall. However, it is important that recordings made by patients:
- Involve a discussion, and consent from the health professional they are hoping to audio-record
- Are seen as a small part of a broader relationship with the patient and healthcare provider, and help further trust between both parties, not compromise it
- Can be shared with family and friends involved in their care
- Are part of a robust system designed to ensure that audio-files are confidentially saved and stored with the patient’s medical record
- Are implemented in such a way that they meet healthcare provider medico-legal requirements and concerns
The SecondEars app has been developed to address the above key considerations regarding the implementation of consultation recordings in healthcare settings. Specifically, SecondEars was co-designed with the input from: doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, IT professions, and health information management experts, and allows patients to record, and share consultations while ensuring they are stored with patient's medical records.
We have tested SecondEars at Peter Mac, and investigated the medico-legal considerations raised by health professionals and patients around its safe implementation and use. We are now developing patient- and clinician-friendly resources around lawful consultation recording use, and investigating long-term implementation.
sponsor
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
funding
Peter MacCallum Foundation
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority
Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
principal investigator
Ms Amelia Hyatt
project status
Completed
publications & presentations
Co-design of the SecondEars app: https://formative.jmir.org/2019/1/e11111/
Testing and implementation assessment: https://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/1/e15593
Medico-legal analysis: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2021/214/3/overt-and-covert-recordings-health-care-consultations-australia-some-legal
CONVERSATION ARTICLES
Want to record your doctor’s appointment? Great idea, but first, check it’s legal
Missed something the doctor said? Recording your appointments gives you a chance to go back
contact details
Ms Amelia Hyatt
Phone: (03) 8559 7837
Email: [email protected]
