Between January and March 2024, only 2% of Molise citizens accessed their Electronic Health Record (EHR) at least once, in stark contrast to the national average of 18%. This is what emerges from a recent report by the Ministry of Health, which highlights the limited use of this important digital tool in the region.
The electronic health record is an online platform that allows citizens to consult and manage their health documentation, facilitating access to reports, prescriptions and other medical information. Despite the numerous advantages offered by the ESF, the data shows that the Molise population struggles to integrate it into their habits.
Contrary to what is observed among citizens, general practitioners (GPs) and pediatricians of free choice (PLS) in Molise use the electronic health record at 100%, a percentage slightly higher than the national average of 98%. Even specialist doctors employed by the Health Authority authorized to use the FSE show a high rate of use, equal to 100% against a national average of 74%.
In the period considered, 202,067 documents were published in the Electronic Health Record of the citizens of Molise. However, only 4,010 citizens, for whom a document was published, made at least one access. This data suggests that, despite the availability of numerous documents, awareness and use of the service by the population remain extremely limited.
The reasons for this low rate of use may be multiple. Lack of familiarity with digital technologies, poor knowledge of the functionalities of the ESF, and possible lack of trust in the security and privacy of the system could be some of the main obstacles.
A greater communication and training effort is needed to raise citizens’ awareness of the benefits of using the electronic health record. Improving access to personal health information can significantly contribute to a more informed and autonomous management of one’s health, while reducing the workload for healthcare professionals and improving the efficiency of the healthcare system as a whole.
In conclusion, while health professionals in Molise demonstrate excellent use of the Electronic Health Record, it is essential to work to increase citizen participation in this service. Only through greater involvement of the population will it be possible to fully realize the potential of the EHR, making health management more efficient and accessible for all.
