The My Health Record system supports rural doctors in the coordination of healthcare for their most vulnerable patients. Clinical Professor Meredith Makeham says, “the system has provided a supporting role in bushfires and the Queensland floods and can now assist with COVID-19 patients by enabling GPs to provide key health information to hospitals, pharmacies and the patient via a shared health summary”.

Rural doctors using the My Health Record can offer patients the best care possible to reduce adverse events as their information is not locked into one provider’s medical record system or paper file. This is especially valuable during a medical emergency as treating doctors, specialists and nursing staff can access the patient’s My Health Record providing them key health information they may not otherwise have. My Health Record has the potential to reduce time spent chasing patient information held at other healthcare facilities and responding to requests for information by other providers. 

The My Health Record is a secure online summary of an individual’s health information and provides timely access to information, such as shared health summaries, discharge summaries, prescription and dispense records, pathology reports and diagnostic imaging reports, from anywhere, and at any time. Doctors authorised by their healthcare organisation can access My Health Record to view and add patient health information. 

Members wanting to know more about the My Health Record system can enrol in a new online education module, which can be accessed here. If you require further advice or support, please contact ehealth@acrrm.org.au