Most people have never had a deliberate conversation with their family about their health records — who can access them, where they are, what they contain. This is not a morbid conversation about death and disaster; it's a practical one about making sure the people who care about you can act effectively if you need help.
What to discuss
- Where your key records are — which platform, what the login is (or who to contact for access)
- What to do in an emergency — your Emergency Card, your allergies, your blood type
- Who your doctors are — GP, specialists, pharmacist; their contact details
- Your current medications — what they are and what they're for
- Your preferences for care — particularly in a serious situation; this is the substance of an advance directive
- Who you've given access to — which family members can see which records in Looms
Starting the conversation
The conversation doesn't have to be formal or frightening. It can start as simply as: 'I've been organising my health information in an app — I want to make sure you know where things are in case something happens.' Most people respond well to this framing because it's practical rather than emotional.
If a family member is resistant — perhaps because they find health topics difficult — a written summary or a shared document achieves the same purpose without the conversation needing to be exhaustive. The goal is that at least one person who loves you knows where your records are and how to use them.