The Scottish Government has commissioned Health Rights Information Scotland (HRIS) to produce a public information leaflet and an animated film clip which looks at eHealth in simple images and plain language from a patient's perspective, explaining complex information quickly and clearly.

As eHealth continues to deliver better, safer care to patients, it becomes equally important to ensure that the public understands how eHealth impacts on the service they receive and the benefits it brings. The information leaflet and animated clip explains what eHealth is, how it benefits both patients and the National Health Service Scotland (NHS), the importance of safety and confidentiality of patient information and what rights patients have about their own information.

The information is being supplied to NHS boards on CD. Boards are expected to display the information on their websites alongside the other HRIS public information leaflets and supply to GP practices. It is worth noting that the leaflet and clip are not intended to replace the NHS Boards' existing privacy notices or the HRIS leaflet 'How the NHS Protects your information'.

Draft storyboards for the film clip, leaflet and info-graphics were user-tested among public focus groups and professional stakeholders with positive results. The information will shortly be available in different formats and languages throughout Scotland.  

The leaflet and animated clip are available from the HRIS website.

Further information:

• Original news article - eHealth Directorate - Scottish Government

• HRIS leaflet and clip