A single, easily accessible data record system could save lives and streamline efficiency in Irish hospitals
The CIO of the HSE is building a new national Electronic Healthcare Record (EHR) for all patients in Ireland and has asked the public for their feedback.
The aim is to create a business case for the creation of an EHR by the end of January 2016.
The idea of a single record that every patient will carry, and which medical professionals can access to provide rapid and accurate care to patients, could be revolutionary.
The national EHR will consist of core operational solutions, with functions such as ePrescribing and Case Management, along with the ability to aggregate data from these systems into a comprehensive national summary record, accessible to health and social care professionals who are providing care, and also to patients, service users and carers.
‘We will all have an EHR in the future, so it is important we have our say now at this early stage so that we get this right for our healthcare system’
–RICHARD CORBRIDGE
Corbridge, who is also CIO of eHealth Ireland, said the aim is to ensure that the public will have a say in the design of such a system and ensure that concerns around data protection and privacy are addressed.
“We are now looking for the public’s feedback on a range of matters, such as what will make the EHR successful, and where the EHR should be prioritised (the community, hospitals, etc).
“We want to know your views on data privacy and accessibility to the EHR and how consent should be managed. A consultation period is now open and your feedback is needed. A feedback form is available for you to enter your thoughts and views.”
He said a short video has been created to illustrate how the EHR could work.
‘The EHR will mean that healthcare professionals will have access to their patient’s healthcare record or chart electronically at the right time, in the right place, in order to deliver the care needed to the patient’
– DR AINE CARROLL
“We will all have an EHR in the future, so it is important we have our say now at this early stage so that we get this right for our healthcare system. We know that other jurisdictions often did not ask the public for their views and therefore implemented solutions without matching them to the wishes of patients and the public. We want to get this right. ”
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) programme within eHealth Ireland has engaged with EHR vendors from across the globe in the first part of 2015.
Over 25 ventures have responded with insights.
“The EHR will mean that healthcare professionals will have access to their patient’s healthcare record or chart electronically at the right time, in the right place, in order to deliver the care needed to the patient,” Dr Aine Carroll, National Director, Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division said.
“This will also mean that communication between healthcare professionals when caring for their patients will also be easier, as the healthcare record will be available to the professionals when needed. It is important that we all give our feedback and have our views heard so that we get this right for the Irish healthcare system and for our patients.”
Medical data image via Shutterstock
