WHAT IS A MEDICAL RECORD?
A medical record documents all of your important medical history throughout your life, it can include:
- Health conditions
- Treatments and medicines
- Allergies and past reactions to medicines
- Test, scans and x-ray results
- Specialist care, such as maternity or mental health
- Lifestyle information like whether you smoke or drink.
Think of your medical record as a combined chart and log, informing medical professionals about your past and its implications for your current "voyage."
WHY IS A MEDICAL RECORD ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR YACHT CREW?
Yacht crew often have fragmented healthcare with no continuity of physician, team, or facility. In an emergency, you can't rely on the treating hospital or clinic to have your necessary information. Time zone differences can also add delays.
Even if you haven't had significant injuries or illnesses, it's crucial to keep your medical record with you, as it contains details about your vaccinations. While Covid-19 has been the focus recently, other illnesses like Hepatitis A to Zika still pose risks. Vaccinations protect you, your crew, and your families, and it's your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate ones for your travels.
HOW DO I START COMPILING MY MEDICAL RECORD?
Keeping a medical record, including vaccinations and medications, used to be cumbersome. Nowadays, it's straightforward with a bit of initial effort and regular updates. Here are three methods:
1. Paper record:- Works well but can be bulky and hard to index.
- Photocopies may be needed, which isn't always easy.
- Consider securely locking it away, but this can be problematic in emergencies.
2. Encrypted Cloud-based folder or email:
- Upload all hospital admissions, treatments, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and medications.
- Store on an encrypted drive or as a draft email.
- Easy access with email/drive, but requires internet access, good level of consciousness and manual dexterity.
3. USB storage:
Scan everything onto a USB key, password-protect it, and keep three keys.- One with you for immediate access: to provide a doctor or hospital with access to high definition original cardiac, MRI and other scans, plus lab results
- One at home with a trusted person.
- One for insurance claims.
Tip! Sealed envelope system
Captains can seal confidential guest and crew medical records in an envelope, store them in the yacht safe, and only open if required. When guests leave, the records can be handed back, still sealed.
A NECESSARY TASK
While these steps may feel like an administrative burden, they ensure that medical professionals know your history better than you can recall it yourself. This can help avoid risks and costs.