What is Patients Know Best (PKB)?

Patients Know Best (PKB) is a secure online platform where people can keep all their healthcare information in one place. It’s available to people in the London boroughs of City and Hackney to support with managing their mental health.

Through PKB, people can access information about their mental health plans and support. They can choose to invite people involved in their care to see this information. People can access PKB on a laptop, phone or tablet.

Why should someone consider signing up to PKB?

Through PKB, people can:

  • have better choice and control of their healthcare
  • see up-to-date information about their mental health goals
  • share their record with their GP, hospital consultant, at-home care provider, pharmacist, paramedic, carer or next of kin and control what they see with privacy and consent settings
  • message people or teams involved in their mental health support
  • see reports, letters and case notes in one place so they don’t have to repeat their story to professionals and access them wherever they go, at home or abroad
  • keep track of health appointments using the calendar
  • track mental health recovery progress
  • add important information about past medical history or any old clinical documentation so it’s there in one place when they need it

How to get PKB and how does it work?

The platform is free and easy to use. If you already have a PKB account, you will be sent an email notifying you that you can now access your records via a link which will take you straight to the PKB page. Or you can access the registration page from any digital device that you can access the internet from – a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. If you are signing up to PKB for the first time, follow these steps:

  • Simply log in to the NHS website from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
  • If you don’t have an NHS login, you will be prompted to create one via the NHS website.
  • Once you are logged in, the Patients Know Best registration page will appear, and you will be prompted to create a password.
  • After you have completed the form and registered, you can access the portal using the same Patients Know Best web link or through the NHS App.

How to see your PHB via PKB

If someone is applying for a Personal Health Budget (PHB), their clinician will refer for the PHB via Core Arts Brokerage Service.  Core Arts will send a copy of the PHB information to the PHB holders PKB account for thier own records.  When the PHB holder reviews the PHB with their referrer, a copy of this information will also be sent to PKB for access by the PHB holder.

If someone does not have PKB, thier PHB information will be available to them should they choose to register.  They should speak to their clinician or staff member at the East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) or their GP practice. The PHB team are also able to advise on any of the above.