In June 2016, a consortium comprising HealthConsult, HOI and HPA, as well as separate Expert Advisory Panels (EAPs) of Australian and International Experts was engaged to assist the Australian Government in developing a framework for the secondary use of data in the My Health Record system for research, policy, system use, quality improvement and evaluation activities.
My Health Record is a shared electronic health summary record set up by the Australian government with implementation overseen by the Australian Digital Health Agency. The purpose of My Health Record is to provide a secure electronic summary of people’s medical history which will eventually include information such as current medications, adverse drug reactions, allergies and immunisation history in an easily accessible format.
The secondary use of health data has the potential to benefit individuals and the whole population as an important means for governments, researchers, health service providers, health professional groups and consumers to monitor and report on population health and the quality and safety of health care services. It allows a range of organisations to conduct research and innovate to improve health and health care outcomes, which can in turn improve well-being, productivity and the efficient use of resources.
In addition to delivery of the Framework to the Department of Health, this consultancy resulted in the publication of a Public Consultation Paper, which outlined the context for the project; presented case studies; and canvassed issues relating to the Framework.