What does this paper add? This paper supports the concept of a shared medical record system using 200 audited patient records across five Victorian metropolitan hospitals, comparing the current information systems in place for healthcare practitioners to retrieve data. This causes inefficiencies in the recall of patient information and can potentially lead to incidences of adverse drug events. In Victoria, there exists a wide range of electronic health records used to varying degrees, with some hospitals still relying on paper-based records and many using scanned medical records. The system was originally named the personally controlled electronic health record but has since been changed to MyHealth Record (2016). What is known about this topic? Australia has a complex health system, the government has approved funding to develop a universal online electronic medical record system and is currently trialling this in an opt-out style in the Napean Blue Mountains (NSW) and in Northern Queensland. It is recommended that medical history documentation guidelines and standardised discharge summaries be implemented in Australian healthcare services. Only 49% of records audited showed evidence the discharge summary was sent outside the institution.Ĭonclusions The quality of medical data captured and information management is variable across hospitals. All audited discharge summaries lacked at least one of the following: demographics, medication allergies, medical and surgical history, medications and adverse drug event information. Results Of all medical records audited, 82% contained medical and surgical history, allergy information and patient demographics.

Using each hospital’s current online clinical database, scanned files and paperwork available for each patient audited, the reviewers sourced as much relevant information as possible within a 30-min time allocation from both the record and the discharge summary. A quantitative audit was performed for detailed patient information and medical record keeping, as well as data collection, storage and utilisation. Methods Medical records for 40 patients from each of five Melbourne major metropolitan hospitals were randomly selected ( n = 200).

The technologies that will have the greatest staying power will be those that not only deliver results, but are able to move beyond point solutions to become part of an integrated care experience, meaningfully connected to other providers involved in a patient’s care.Objective The aim of the present study was to audit the current use of medical records to determine completeness and concordance with other sources of medical information. And not only is it cheaper, we’re seeing higher adherence rates.”īut even the best apps are often challenged by a lack of connectivity to the rest of a patient’s healthcare. More surprisingly, employers shared positive feedback on the impact of virtual physical therapy solutions: “I was skeptical that it would work, but people like being able to rehab at home. Technology-based mental health solutions received high marks for increasing access to care, with the prediction that “tele-behavioral health could become a standard part of most benefits packages very quickly”. CHROs get pitches for new apps every day… there are literally thousands out there saying they’ll reduce costs and improve employee health, but it’s next to impossible to tell which ones of them actually work.”īrokers expressed surprise at how little evidence, or in some cases, actual patient and client experience, some health tech companies brought to the table: “We have startups coming to our clients talking about their millions of dollars in funding, but when you dig into what they’re actually doing, not only can they not show outcomes data, you find out they’ve only worked with a few dozen patients!”īut among the sea of apps purporting to manage any and every employee health need, from chronic disease to fertility to sleep quality, brokers reported their clients were finding value in a few distinct areas. One shared, “For the past few years, it’s felt like ‘App-apalooza’ out there. At a recent convening of health insurance brokers we participated in, several bemoaned the challenge of helping their clients understand which solutions might bring real value. The explosion of apps, wearables, and other health tech solutions targeted at employers has overwhelmed and frustrated many HR executives who make decisions about employee health benefits.

A sea of roses for ehr