Electronic health records - a prescription for better patient care

Notoriously illegible doctors' handwriting could soon be a thing of the past as Australia embarks on an ambitious initiative to migrate paper-based health records to efficient computer networks.

Launched in 2000, the HealthConnect project is a nationwide effort to coordinate standards, develop prototype platforms and more recently to commence implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). HealthConnect enables authorised healthcare providers to collect, store and exchange patient's health information in a secure and reliable manner. Importantly, healthcare consumers can also access and review summaries of their own records to ensure accuracy.

HealthConnect standardises the way patient data is collected and recorded by healthcare providers, including general practitioners, specialists, consultants, dentists, radiologists, pathologists, anaesthetists, pharmacists, nurses and hospitals. Provided the patient consents, a summary of their treatment is recorded electronically at every link in the healthcare chain - reducing the time spent on administration, reducing errors and giving all practitioners a complete view of the patient's history and healthcare needs.

"Electronic health records are all about improving the quality of care provided to patients: that is the primary focus of HealthConnect," says Jeff Parker, Associate Director of Strategic Consulting at Fujitsu Australia, which is closely involved in the national EHR initiative.

"At the same time, everyone in the healthcare sector expects significant secondary benefits, including reduced administrative overheads for medical staff and greater transparency in system-wide information. The ability to aggregate data and analyse health system usage is vital to plan and provide for an efficient health system that accurately reflects community needs, both current and future."

Caring and sharing

Shared electronic health records promise tremendous efficiencies throughout the healthcare system. A patient's record need only be created once, saving hours of time practitioners currently spend re-entering basic details such as names, addresses, birth dates, medical history and things like allergies and current medications.

When a patient visits a GP or hospital, their consent enables the clinician to access their individual EHR from the secure HealthConnect network. The doctor still uses their own practice management tools (whether computerised or paper-based) to record full details of the consultation and complete tasks such as prescriptions and referrals.

At the end of the visit, the doctor can upload an 'event summary' recording any significant developments during the consultation, such as a new diagnosis, a prescription or a treatment. This data can then be made available (with consent) to other practitioners treating the patient, ensuring all healthcare providers and patients themselves use the same information for best possible care.

"Giving all providers access to the same information allows different carers to work in concert with the patient to make the best decisions for each individual's health needs," Mr Parker says.

"Research indicates that up to 30 per cent of mishaps in hospitals are caused by lack of access to necessary information. A move to standardised EHRs that are available at the point of care presents a real opportunity to reduce mistakes and improve safety and quality for patients."

National approach, international experience

HealthConnect is a national initiative involving all major healthcare stakeholders, including the Australian Government, state and territory governments and agencies such as HIC. While quality of care is the project's primary focus, Mr Parker says HealthConnect also promises to deliver substantial benefits in health administration.

"HealthConnect facilitates the collection of more data about current healthcare needs, helping government agencies and healthcare providers tailor future programs and funding to reflect community trends. Better information enables better planning in the health system, ensuring Australians continue to enjoy world-class healthcare."

After merging with DMR Consulting in April, Fujitsu retains a pivotal advisory role in the EHR project. Fujitsu experts have worked with the HealthConnect Program Office to develop a benefits-driven approach to the program's national implementation.

On the technology front, Fujitsu is a core participant in the Distributed Systems Technology Centre (DSTC), a Brisbane-based cooperative research centre that undertakes research and development related to software for EHR projects. DSTC is providing the core software for a diabetes-focused HealthConnect trial in Brisbane's southern suburbs.

Fujitsu is drawing on its global experience assisting government and private organisations to develop business and technology strategy for healthcare in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

"A number of Australians have been instrumental in Fujitsu's work for the National Health Service in the UK. Now we are harnessing that experience to help Australia develop an EHR framework that reflects world best practice," says Mr Parker.

"It's a great example of how Fujitsu leverages its global healthcare expertise to deliver optimal outcomes in every local engagement."