gematik expands the electronic patient record (ePA)

The German digital health agency (gematik) is planning to expand the electronic patient record (ePA) with two patient-focused features:

• Push notifications to inform patients when their ePA is accessed.
• Expanded medication plan with clearer overviews of medications and dosages.

These changes are part of Germany’s broader digital health strategy to increase transparency, improve medication safety and give patients more control over their data.

Why this matters

• Improves oversight: patients can be alerted to any access to their medical record.
• Medication safety: a comprehensive meds list helps caregivers and patients avoid errors.
• Aligned with national digitalisation goals and gematik’s evolving role.

Original German (translated)

“Die Gesellschafter der gematik haben eine Ausweitung der elektronischen Patientenakte beschlossen. Ziel ist es, die digitale Dokumentation in der Versorgung weiter auszubauen und den Versicherten neue Möglichkeiten an die Hand zu geben. Geplant sind unter anderem ein erweiterter Medikationsplan sowie Hinweise per App, wenn Zugriffe auf die Akte erfolgen.”

Source

Official German digital health strategy (Federal Ministry of Health): Germany’s Digitalisation Strategy for Health and Care (PDF)

Questions or thoughts? Share your view in the comments: Do these changes give patients more control or raise new privacy concerns?