GPs lead way with digital health logs

GEELONG’S general practitioners are leading the way in converting to a new eHealth system enabling patients to control their own medical records.
Barwon Medicare Local chief Jason Trethowan said he expected most practices to be ready to take on the system by the end of the month.
The region was now an eHealth hub helping other regions adopt the electronic records system, he said.
More than 500 patients had already registered, with up to 10,000 expected by the end of the year.
Mr Trethowan said seven university students were working on a casual basis to help local practices sign up patients.
Barwon eHealth manager Michelle Breed said the innovative program was operating in six practices so far.
“Because it’s personally controlled the consumer instigates the creation of their electronic record,” she said.
“The registration assistance is there to help practices cope with the extra requirements and to help patients who might need help.
“We ’re encouraging people who will benefit the most from the system to register first and often it’s the people who need it most who find it the most cumbersome.”
Ms Breed said doctors, specialists and Barwon Health could use the system to access patients’ records so all professionals involved in their care could have the same level of information.
“Patients will be able to keep track of all prescribed and dispensed medication, so there’s increased safety and doctors can make more-informed and quicker decisions.
“The consumer benefits from being able to review their own record and it’s especially great for people like grey nomads who’re often travelling.
“Eventually all pathology, diagnostics and allied health will be included in the shared record.”
Park St General Practice’s Dr Mark Magill said he had encouraged patients to register.
“If it works well it will be fantastic but it all depends on the uptake. The more people sign up, the better because we need critical mass,” Dr Magill said.
“We’re targeting those to whom it will be most useful initially, such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions. It saves people from having to remember all the details of their doctors’ visits, their medications and prescriptions and will save money by eliminating duplication.
“Patients’ main concern has been confidentiality but once that’s laid to rest most people are happy to sign up.”