Australian aged care peak body partners on My Health Record
A new partnership has been announced between one of the aged care sectors leading peak bodies, and the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA).
Everyone should have the opportunity to build confidence and skills using computers and the internet.
The partnership between Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) and the ADHA will aim to provide information to LASA members and stakeholders about the My Health Record Expansion Program, and all its benefits for all Australians.
LASA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sean Rooney highlights that the Agency will have digitised My Health Record for all Australians, except those that opt out, by the end of 2018, meaning that doctors, pharmacists and authorised healthcare providers will be able to access a person’s My Health Record to assist in their future treatment of patients and issues such as prescription of medicines and advance care planning.
Mr Rooney adds that the many benefits of the My Health Record that it will be sharing with its members, are reduced hospital admissions, reduced duplication of tests, better-coordinated care, and better informed treatment decisions.
He also notes that providing integrated care for patients as they transition across the primary care, acute care, and mental health care systems is of benefit and is no different for older Australians, particularly those in residential aged care.
“By enabling information sharing between the various parts of the Australian health system, including aged care, digital health has the potential to enable programs and initiatives that integrate care, wrapping it around the needs of patients,” Mr Rooney says.
“LASA, Australia’s voice of aged care, is pleased to undertake this collaborative communication work with the Agency around the My Health Record Expansion Program, both prior to and during the opt-out period.”
Agency CEO Tim Kelsey said that the benefits of digital health for patients are significant and compelling.
“Having a My Health Record means that your important health information such as allergies, current conditions and treatments, medicine details, and pathology and diagnostic imaging reports can be digitally stored in one place,” Mr Kelsey says
“My Health Record also places Australians in control of their healthcare and gives authorised healthcare providers secure digital access to key health information at the point of care, wherever that may be.”
People who choose not to have a My Health Record will be able to register not to have one during a three-month opt-out period occurring between 16 July and 15 October.
