My Health Record Expansion

Victorian PHNs are working with the Australian Digital Health Agency to support 1) provider readiness and 2) communications and community engagement for the My Health Record Expansion across local catchments.

Eastern Melbourne PHN (EMPHN) is also the lead site for the My Health Record Expansion Program in Victoria and Tasmania. EMPHN retains a jurisdictional function to support the development and implementation of consumer engagement strategies across Victoria and Tasmania. This involves community engagement events and awareness campaigns. PHNs are committed to providing information about My Health Record for all consumers and creating awareness of the benefits of My Health Record.

My Health Record is a secure repository of healthcare information uploaded by practitioners that contains information about your patients. This may include information that you do not already have about your patients such as medication history (prescribing as well as dispensing), allergy information, adverse drug reactions, and discharge summaries.

Having access to this information may lead to improved clinical decisions, fewer adverse events for your patients, less avoidable hospital admissions, and better health outcomes.

My Health Record does not replace local clinical records.  It can be particularly valuable when treating patients who see a range of healthcare providers because they have complex health conditions, as well as patients who don’t have a regular doctor or who travel to receive healthcare services.

Why should GPs and allied health professionals participate in the My Health Record system?

• More time to treat patients, less time chasing clinical information and investigations.
• Better information sharing from different sources, for example between GPs and hospitals.
• Helping patients, including those with chronic and complex conditions, to better manage their health.
• Increased efficiencies may help reduce the number of unnecessary repeat tests, hospitalisations and follow-up specialist visits.
• Improved patient safety and reduced adverse drug reactions by more medication and allergy information being available.

Why should pharmacies participate in the My Health Record system?

• Better information sharing between GPs, hospitals and pharmacy
• Improved continuity of care
• Improved safety and reduced adverse drug reactions
• A reduction in human error
• Increased efficiencies
• Help consumers better manage their medications

For more information please visit the My Health Record website.