There are a few ways to create and maintain a patient file. Some people prefer paper, some electronic, or a combination of both. Most people simply put the information in a folder. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It just has to work for you.
It can be organised in a number of different ways. Some suggestions are divided by
- Results; Requests and Appointments, with the most recent at the front;
- GP, Allied Health and Hospital or;
- Date, with the most recent information at the front.
You should try and…
- Include your up-to-date Medication List
- Include a Summary Health Record: Click here to view an example of a Shared Health Summary. There are other options available on the internet. An online summary of key health information can be developed through the Australian Government’s My Health Record. To learn more, click here .
- Keep the information up to date. An outdated file may become confusing if you are in Emergency in the middle of the night. You may need to separate the most up to date current information from past information which may not be as important.
- Store the file in a place that makes sense to you – You may need to grab it quickly in an emergency or on your way out of the door to an appointment.