patientjournalen

Patientjournalen is the medical record kept by healthcare professionals that documents a patient’s health status, encounters with care providers, and their ongoing treatment. The term is commonly used in Sweden to describe both paper-based and electronic records that support continuity of care, clinical decision-making, and administrative processes.

Contents typically include identifying information, medical history, presenting symptoms, diagnoses, test results, medications, allergies, treatment plans, procedures, and notes from consultations. It may also record consent, advance directives, referrals, and coordination with other providers.

Most health systems use electronic health records (EHRs) or electronic patient journals that integrate data from laboratories, imaging, pharmacies, and primary care, supporting clinical care, data analysis, and shared decision-making across settings.

Access to patientjournalen is restricted to authorized health professionals involved in care, and patients usually have the right to view their records and request copies or corrections. Sharing information with other providers is governed by consent, legal requirements, and privacy protections.

Privacy and security are enforced through data protection laws, such as the GDPR in the European Union, which require confidentiality, purpose limitation, access controls, audit trails, and data retention policies. Accuracy, timeliness, and the right to correct errors are fundamental principles.

Retention periods vary by jurisdiction and institution, and records may be archived after a defined time. Effective management of patientjournalen supports quality of care, research in de-identified form, and accountability.