Government Unveils Plan for Unified Patient Records to Enhance Care

The government has announced a plan to implement a unified electronic medical record system, aiming to improve patient care by reducing the need for individuals to repeatedly share their medical histories with various health professionals. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized that this initiative would streamline communication among general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Addressing Long-standing Issues in Healthcare

During a launch event for the Health Digital Investment Plan (HDIP) on March 15, 2024, Brown outlined a vision for a more cohesive digital health landscape. He stated, “This means patients often have to repeat their story multiple times, and clinicians waste valuable time on paperwork instead of treating patients.” The proposed electronic medical record system aims to alleviate these challenges, allowing for better coordination of care, especially in critical scenarios such as cancer treatment, where integrated systems could eliminate redundant tests and lost referrals.

The HDIP is intended as a comprehensive ten-year strategy to transition from what Brown described as a “state of high risk and inefficiency” to a modern, unified, and resilient digital health system. The initiative seeks to address the current “fragmented, old and complex” systems that have been the subject of public scrutiny. Wellington Hospital staff have reported ongoing issues with computer glitches and system crashes, which they claim jeopardize patient care and extend wait times. For instance, earlier this year, an IT malfunction at Palmerston North Hospital forced staff to revert to using manual methods, such as pens and paper.

Funding and Future Developments

The first phase of the HDIP identifies the electronic medical record as a top priority, with additional focus on ensuring timely and accurate staff payments. Brown announced that funding would also support remote patient monitoring to facilitate earlier patient discharges, develop a national radiology system to prioritize urgent cases, and enhance cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient information.

As part of the government’s commitment to digital modernization, a new Centre for Digital Modernisation of Health will be established, alongside the creation of Health NZ and its initiative, Health X, aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare. One innovative aspect of the plan includes the introduction of AI systems for efficient note-taking in emergency departments, remote monitoring for home recovery, and augmented x-ray processes.

The journey towards a comprehensive electronic health record system has faced significant delays in the past. In 2015, former Health Minister Jonathan Coleman launched a project to implement electronic health records, but the initiative fell short of its 2014 target. Under the subsequent Labour Government, the rollout remained incomplete by 2018, raising concerns about the feasibility of large-scale IT projects in the health sector.

In 2021, the government allocated $400 million to rejuvenate the integrated electronic health records initiative. However, the subsequent business case for an upgraded system, known as Hira, faced setbacks and was paused in 2024 after only a fraction of the work was completed.

The current administration’s pledge to realize a unified patient record system represents a significant commitment to addressing the deficiencies in the healthcare digital infrastructure. The HDIP could potentially transform the patient experience, ensuring that individuals receive timely and coordinated care without the burden of repetitive information sharing.