Describe the key historical developments in healthcare record keeping

Some say that wider access to and control of their own records will empower patients to become more active in managing their own health problems. Others say that such access and control may lead to wider health inequalities between the IT-aware and those lacking computer and internet skills. With reference to the literature in this area, discuss the issues around encouraging patients to take a more active role in managing their own clinical records and say which of these views you agree with and why.

This paper is focussed only within the NHS in the UK

The paper should encompass the following learning objectives into the body of the paper seamlessly:
• Describe the key historical developments in healthcare record keeping
• Understand why health care systems are moving towards electronic records
• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of both traditional paper-based and modern electronic health records.
• Describe and critique the electronic health record programme in selected health care systems
• Discuss the structure of typical electronic health records.
• Develop a critical understanding of data security, integrity and confidentiality in electronic records