OpenNotes, Reduction in Unnecessary Tests Lead AHA Patient Safety Predictions for 2016

​Further growth of the OpenNotes program and progress in limiting unnecessary tests will highlight patient safety and quality developments in the coming year, according to the American Hospital Association's (AHA) 2016 Environmental Scan, published online September 15, 2015, in Hospitals & Health Networks. The Environmental Scan, which identifies numerous areas of growth for 2016, cites the initial popularity of OpenNotes among both patients and providers in promoting safety and states that the increased transparency represents a "new standard."