The following appeared a day or so ago.
Faith lost over e-health record, few GPs see value
21st Feb 2012
JUST 5% of GPs understand how the government’s personally controlled e-health record system (PCEHR) will work and what will be expected of them when it is rolled out on 1 July, while only a quarter think the system will help with consultations.
The apparent lack of faith in the government’s e-health records system was revealed in a survey of 150 GPs, conducted by Cegedim on behalf of MO, which also found 76% of GPs still held concerns over the lack of remuneration on offer to compensate for time spent by doctors curating the electronic records.
The results came as the health department confirmed it is “in consultation” with the IT industry and general practice organisations about the next phase of the Practice Incentives Program (PIP)to support e-health.
But AMA president Dr Steve Hambleton said more PIP payments to help practices install the PCEHR infrastructure wouldn’t change the fact that “someone has to do the work of creating and maintaining the record and that will be the GP”.
He said the poor understanding of what GPs would have to do as reflected in the survey results was “dreadful” and the government should remember “GPs can opt in or opt out as well”.
Lots more here:
There are astonishingly bad figures for awareness and planned adoption of the PCEHR.
It seems clear to even to those who are totally unconscious the program has slipped into utter nonsense as far as Change and Adoption is concerned.
A Federal press release from July last year is instructive.
More Progress in e-health Consultation and Engagement
Two important milestones in the development of Australia’s e-health system have been met with the key appointment of the National Change and Adoption Partner and the release of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Legislation issues paper.
7 July 2011
Two important milestones in the development of Australia’s e-health system have been met with the key appointment of the National Change and Adoption Partner and the release of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System: Legislation issues paper.
“E-health records will drive safer, more efficient and better quality healthcare for Australians. It is one of the important elements of national health reform,” Minister Roxon said.
“Patients will no longer have to remember every immunisation, every medical test, and every prescription as they move from doctor to doctor.
A consortium headed by McKinsey and Company has been selected to lead the national change and adoption process as Australia moves to introduce Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records (PCEHR) next year.
“The National Change and Adoption Partner will help educate and support the training and information needs of the health workforce who will use the system,” Minister Roxon said.
“The consortium will plan, design and develop training, guidance and tools in collaboration with clinicians and software providers. It will also provide change management support for clinicians including at the 12 lead implementation sites.
“From 1 July 2012, Australians will be able to choose to have a personal eHealth record, giving individuals a level of control over their health information never previously available.
“For doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals, PCEHRs will help transform Australia’s health system, improving the security of patient information and allowing for better clinical assessments and more efficient, effective treatment.”
“The Commonwealth is investing up to $29.9 million for this important contract for e health implementation.
The rest of the release is here:
By the end of February the Partner has had essentially zero impact among ordinary clinicians and this thing is meant to go live in 18 weeks. This is going to be some sprint to the finish!
I wonder does the money run out in 18 weeks too - and how much has been spent to get essentially nowhere that can be observed in a national survey of doctors?
Really silly stuff. I am told the Powerpoints the money has bought are just fabulous!
David.