The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) strongly supports the opt-out approach to My Health Record which will ensure Australians are provided with improved health care delivery.
“A shared electronic health record will allow health professionals looking after patients to have access to their medical history, regardless of where they are in Australia,” said CEO of the Australian College of Nursing, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
“My Health Record will improve patient safety by making a patient’s medical history accessible to all members of the health care team. An opt-out approach makes it quick and hassle-free for Australians to participate, while still enabling people to opt-out if they so choose.”
The Australian Digital Health Agency is the System Operator of the My Health Record system. General practices, community pharmacies and hospitals across the country are a few of the health services that will use My Health Record as it is more widely taken up by Australians.
Nurses will have a key role in educating patients on the use of electronic health records and their options.
The Australian College of Nursing is committed to supporting initiatives that provide access and enhance health care of all Australians.