| When is the OPEN Project going live ? | Monday 3rd February 2003 | Patients willbe able to apply for their disks from this date and there will be a local and national press release. |
| How do I apply for my records ? | You can apply in person at the practice or collect, complete and return an application form. | You may be asked to provide proof of identity. |
| What will I need to access my records ? | Any modern personal computer with a CD Rom Drive should be able to read the CD Rom. The only software you should need is internet explorer. | If your records contain microsoft word documents, you will need microsoft word also. |
| If I do not require my disk after checking it for accuracy then what should I do ? | Please return the disk to the practice who will destroy it securely for you. | The practice has a special machine that will erase the data from the surface of the disk. The practice cannot be held responsible for the security of information held on disks that it has not been asked to destroy. |
| If I want something changed on my record how do I go about requesting this ? | You must apply in writing stating clearly the grounds for the change. | You can ask for items to be erased from your records if your medical record contains inappropriate or factually inaccurate information. A new disk will be provided free of charge to enable you to check that the information has been updated correctly. |
| Is my disk secure ? | Your disk is NOT encrypted. It is as secure as if you had asked for a printed copy of your records. If you allowed either of these to fall into the wrong hands, then the confidentiality of your medical records would be compromised. | You are responsible for the safekeeping of your records when you take a copy of them away from the practice. You should return these to the practice for secure destruction when they are no longer required. |
| Can you update my disk ? | The disks that we are providing are not re-recordable - although we are aware that these are available, we have no plans to transfer your medical records onto re-recordable disks at present. | If you require an update to your medical record on a disk then please request another copy. Although the disks provided during the early part of the trial are free, there may be a small charge levied - please ask about any charge when you request another disk. |
| How do I provide feedback to the Open Project Team about thew project ? | Fill in the online form or ask the practice to send you a feedback form. | You will need to write down the serial number from your disk to ensure that we get anonymous feedback from patients who have taken part in the project. |