The option for an integrated universal health record received strong support during the submission process. Certain issues regarding data storage and privacy were raised, along with the importance of retaining the paper-based method as an optional system for regions with low internet connectivity and as a safeguard against technology failures. While agreeing with the principle of an electronic record, the ADHA suggested that: digital health ecosystem is a long way from having a single medicines record that can be “[The] updated dynamically by a consumer’s multiple healthcare providers, and that will be comprehensive, accurate and up to date.” The Panel considers that a universal, comprehensive medicines record is at present the best solution to ensure accurate information is available to support appropriate communication and prescription between healthcare providers. The Panel also notes the ongoing initiatives to improve digital services, such as the Aged Care Digital Payments Platform and the MyGov portal, and initiatives required across state and territory based health systems to integrate patient records with various providers and settings. The Panel also notes that dialogue around these issues has been continuing for some time now and provides an impression of stagnation in this area. Although, the issues are complex, it is paramount that pharmacists have a complete understanding of a patient’s health to mitigate medicines risks and provide appropriate treatment. RECOMMENDATION 2-7: ELECTRONIC MEDICATIONS RECORD There should be one electronic personal medications record system that covers all Australians and ensures appropriate access by, and links between, community pharmacy, hospitals and all doctors. This record system should also include a vaccines register. 2.8. The introduction of a compulsory electronic prescriptions record system could introduce risks of inappropriate behaviour, such as the channelling of prescriptions that will need to be managed appropriately. The is aware of the concern that electronic prescriptions could lead to script channelling, whereby prescribers direct patient scripts to a specific pharmacy, based on existing relationships or other incentives. This concern was echoed by Fred IT, the PSA and the CHF in their submissions to the Interim Report, with general agreement that this practice should be managed through legislation and appropriate monitoring. The electronic prescription system should not require that a prescription is directed at the time of prescribing. Rather, it should allow consumers the ability to have their medicines dispensed after leaving a medical practice, in a secure and verifiable way, at any community or online pharmacy of their choice.
The option for an integrated universal health record received strong support during the submission process. Certain issues regarding data storage and privacy were raised, along with the importance of retaining the paper-based method as an optional system for regions with low internet connectivity and as a safeguard against technology failures. While agreeing with the principle of an electronic record, the ADHA suggested that: “[The] digital health ecosystem is a long way from having a single medicines record that can be updated dynamically by a consumer’s multiple healthcare providers, and that will be comprehensive, accurate and up to date.” The Panel considers that a universal, comprehensive medicines record is at present the best solution to ensure accurate information is available to support appropriate communication and prescription between healthcare providers. The Panel also notes the ongoing initiatives to improve digital services, such as the Aged Care Digital Payments Platform and the MyGov portal, and initiatives required across state and territory based health systems to integrate patient records with various providers and settings. The Panel also notes that dialogue around these issues has been continuing for some time now and provides an impression of stagnation in this area. Although, the issues are complex, it is paramount that pharmacists have a complete understanding of a patient’s health to mitigate medicines risks and provide appropriate treatment. RECOMMENDATION 2-7: ELECTRONIC MEDICATIONS RECORD There should be one electronic personal medications record system that covers all Australians and ensures appropriate access by, and links between, community pharmacy, hospitals and all doctors. This record system should also include a vaccines register. 2.8. The introduction of a compulsory electronic prescriptions record system could introduce risks of inappropriate behaviour, such as the channelling of prescriptions that will need to be managed appropriately. The is aware of the concern that electronic prescriptions could lead to script channelling, whereby prescribers direct patient scripts to a specific pharmacy, based on existing relationships or other incentives. This concern was echoed by Fred IT, the PSA and the CHF in their submissions to the Interim Report, with general agreement that this practice should be managed through legislation and appropriate monitoring. The electronic prescription system should not require that a prescription is directed at the time of prescribing. Rather, it should allow consumers the ability to have their medicines dispensed after leaving a medical practice, in a secure and verifiable way, at any community or online pharmacy of their choice.