Draft Guide to using the PCEHR
The AMA has produced a draft guide for doctors on how to use the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR), which is due to commence implementation from 1 July 2012.
The draft guide has been circulated for feedback from doctors and is available on the AMA website for professional and public comment prior to final publication.
The guide will assist medical practitioners to make choices about participating in the PCEHR system and explains how they might use the PCEHR in their day-to-day practice.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the AMA supports patients taking responsibility for their own health and recognises that ‘personal control’ of their health information could empower and encourage them in this role.
“The PCEHR system will put the patient in the ‘driver’s seat’ for managing their health information,” Dr Hambleton said.
“But the PCEHR has practical clinical limitations for medical practitioners in the treatment of patients in respect of the content, accuracy, and accessibility of the information.
“We accept that the intention is for people to be able to register for the PCEHR from 1 July, but we have advised the Government that there will be very few medical practitioners who will have the capability to interact with the system from that date.
“The AMA would have preferred the PCEHR to be an opt-out system, rather than opt-in, to ensure the success of the system in healthcare delivery,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Nevertheless, the AMA considers the PCEHR will become a valuable addition to quality health in Australia over time and will work with the Government to ensure that the best possible PCEHR is available for patients and health professionals.”
The Draft AMA Guide to Using the PCEHR is at http://ama.com.au/node/7648
Members of the public can comment on the draft guide at http://ama.com.au/node/7650
Public consultation is now open on this site until Friday, 27 April 2012.
In January 2012, the AMA surveyed members for their views on the PCEHR ahead of producing the draft guide. The survey results are at http://ama.com.au/node/7649
The AMA acknowledges the cooperation of the National Electronic Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) in the production of the Draft AMA Guide to Using the PCEHR.
4 April 2012
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
