Introduction
In the realm of online therapy services, particularly those provided to schools, the secondary use of health data offers a promising avenue for enhancing health systems, knowledge, and clinical care. However, transparency in how this data is used is crucial for building trust and ensuring public support. A recent scoping review titled "Patients’ and Members of the Public’s Wishes Regarding Transparency in the Context of Secondary Use of Health Data" sheds light on the perspectives and expectations of various stakeholders, including patients and the public, regarding the secondary use of health data. This blog will explore how practitioners can leverage these insights to improve their practice and encourage further research.
Understanding Stakeholder Expectations
The scoping review analyzed 178 articles to identify what information stakeholders desire about the secondary use of health data. The findings highlight the need for both generic and specific content. Generic content includes governance frameworks, technical aspects, and scientific aims, while specific content involves updates on data use, individual test results, and data sharing practices.
Implementing Transparency in Practice
Practitioners can enhance transparency by adopting the following strategies:
- Regular Updates: Provide ongoing updates to patients and stakeholders about how their data is being used. This could be linked to health care encounters or provided upon request.
- Varied Communication Channels: Utilize a mix of traditional and digital media, including websites, patient portals, and social media, to reach a broader audience.
- Clear and Accessible Language: Ensure that communications are in plain language, culturally competent, and tailored to the literacy levels of the audience.
- Return of Results: Offer information on both individual and global research results to maintain trust and engagement.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides valuable insights, there is a need for further research to determine the most effective communication strategies and to assess the impact of transparency on patient trust and engagement. Practitioners can contribute to this research by documenting their experiences and outcomes when implementing these strategies.
Conclusion
By embracing transparency and actively engaging with stakeholders, practitioners can foster trust and improve the outcomes of online therapy services. The insights from the scoping review offer a roadmap for implementing effective communication strategies that align with stakeholder expectations. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Patients’ and Members of the Public’s Wishes Regarding Transparency in the Context of Secondary Use of Health Data: Scoping Review.
