Background: Concerns regarding the privacy of health information are escalating owing both to the growing use of information technology to store and exchange data and to the increasing demand on the part of patients to control the use of their medical records. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Health Care Information Directive (HCID), a recently-developed patient decision aid that aims to delineate the level of health information an individual is willing to share. Methods: We convened a series of four focus group meetings with several communities in a large Canadian city. A total of 28 men and women participated, representing health care consumer advocates, urban professionals, senior citizens, and immigrants who speak English as a second language. Data were analysed using qualitative methods. Results: Participants lacked substantial knowledge regarding the fate and uses of personal health information. They expressed mistrust concerning how their information will be used and protected. Several suggestions were made towards customizing the use of data according to specific needs rather than broad and full access to their charts. Furthermore, despite concern regarding the implementation of a tool like the HCID, participants were hopeful that a refined instrument could contribute to the improved regulation of health information. Conclusion: This study indicated poor knowledge concerning the uses of personal health information, distrust concerning security provisions, and cautious support for a patient decision aid such as the HCID to improve control over health data. © 2004 Tracy et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

[No Keywords available]

information processing urban population medical assessment Disclosure correlation analysis interpersonal communication human access to information middle aged protection health service controlled study professional practice decision support system Decision Support Techniques Aged language Feasibility Studies consumer Patient Education as Topic Confidentiality Humans technique Trust male Canada female evaluation study qualitative analysis medical information system Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice patient education feasibility study Article Ontario personal autonomy adult patient participation data analysis decision making attitude to health Focus Groups computer security instrumentation