Digital health is widely believed to have vast potential in improving patient care. MyHealthRecord (MyHR) is a digital health information system which enables Australian citizens to access their health information centrally, making it available anywhere, at anytime. The aim of this study is to explore the adoption of MyHR in general practices in Victoria and understand its impacts. A qualitative case study research method was used to underpin this investigation. Ten general practices were engaged where MyHR was implemented/used. Detailed interviews with MyHR implementers were held and GPs were engaged in short interviews. Twenty observations were made during GP/patient consultations for health summary uploads. Findings indicate that the practice incentive payment (PIP) funding policy change encouraged the use of MyHR, but the adoption was limited to satisfy funding criteria. Change management was often extemporised. Health summary upload was a quick and easy process but was influenced by clinical system data quality and GP familiarity with the system. Community awareness and GP interest in MyHR was lacking. The conclusion is that MyHR was not well integrated in general practices nor the community. As a result, an improved engagement approach between healthcare organisations, the MyHR system operator and Australians is required.
History
Publication Date
2019-08-08
Proceedings
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
Publisher
IOS Press BV
Place of publication
Netherlands
Volume
266
Pagination
6p. (p.162-167)
ISBN-13
9781643680064
ISSN
0926-9630
Name of conference
27th Australian National Health Informatics Conference (HIC 2019)
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Starting Date
2019-08-12
Finshing Date
2022-08-14
Rights Statement
This book is published online with Open Access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0).