Introduction to My Health Record

Summary

The webinar hosted by the Australian Digital Health Agency introduces My Health Record, an online summary of an individual's key health information. It is a personally controlled record, allowing users to manage their health data securely with options to nominate representatives. The system is protected by stringent cybersecurity measures and legislation, ensuring privacy and security. The benefits include avoiding unnecessary medical tests, enhancing the quality of care, and providing quick access to health information, especially during emergencies. The presentation also covers privacy controls and e-learning resources for further understanding.

Takeaways

• 🌐 My Health Record is an online summary of an individual's key health information, available 24/7 across Australia to authorized healthcare providers.
• 🛡️ The system is protected by robust cybersecurity measures and legislation, ensuring severe penalties for misuse of information.
• 📈 Over 23.5 million Australians have a My Health Record, with the number of records with data growing significantly over the past year.
• 💼 My Health Record is personally controlled, allowing individuals to decide what information is stored, who can access it, and how often they interact with it.
• 📑 The record contains various documents such as shared health summaries, discharge summaries, test results, and personal health notes.
• 🔒 Users can set advanced privacy controls, like Limited Document Access Code and Record Access Code, to manage who can access their health information.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Nominated representatives can be chosen to assist with managing the My Health Record, offering support for those who may need help with technology.
• 👶 Authorised representatives are designated for those unable to manage their records, such as children under 14 or individuals with decision-making limitations.
• 🚑 Emergency access, or 'break glass' function, allows healthcare providers to access records in life-threatening situations without the need for access codes.
• 🔔 Users can opt to receive real-time alerts via SMS or email for any actions performed in their records, ensuring transparency and control.
• 📚 Educational resources and e-learning modules are available for free to help users understand and make the most of their My Health Record.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the My Health Record system?

The My Health Record system is an online summary of an individual's key health information, allowing personal control over what information is included, who can access it, and how it's used for healthcare purposes.

How does one become the owner of a My Health Record?

As of February 2019, all Australians with a Medicare or DVA card were automatically given a My Health Record unless they opted out. New arrivals to Australia can choose to have one during their Medicare enrolment.

What kind of information can be found in a My Health Record?

A My Health Record can contain shared health summaries, discharge summaries, event summaries, test results, pathology reports, diagnostic imaging reports, Medicare billing information, immunisation information, and organ donor details.

Can consumers upload their own information to their My Health Record?

Yes, consumers can upload personal health summaries, notes, advance care planning documents, emergency contact information, and childhood development information to their My Health Record.

How does the My Health Record system ensure the security and privacy of the stored information?

The system uses strong encryption, firewalls, secure login processes, audit logging, and is governed by legislation that makes misuse of information a punishable offense.

What is the significance of the 'break glass' function in the My Health Record system?

The 'break glass' function allows healthcare providers to access a patient's My Health Record in an emergency when the patient is unable to provide access codes, ensuring timely medical care.

How can users of the My Health Record system be alerted to changes in their records?

Users can opt to receive SMS or email alerts in real-time to notify them of any actions performed in their record, such as information uploads or access by healthcare providers.

What is the role of a nominated representative in the My Health Record system?

A nominated representative is an individual chosen by the record owner to assist in managing the My Health Record. They can access and manage the information with or on behalf of the owner, depending on the access level granted.

How can one become an authorised representative for someone else's My Health Record?

Parents of children under 14 are automatically authorised representatives. For others, one can apply to become an authorised representative with appropriate documentation, such as enduring power of attorney, especially in cases where the individual cannot manage their own record.

What resources are available for individuals to learn more about the My Health Record system?

E-learning resources are available for free, accessible via a QR code or a provided link, covering various topics about the My Health Record system, including how to get started and understanding privacy settings.

How can users get help with My Health Record or address any concerns or queries?

Users can call the My Health Record helpline or reach out to the Australian Digital Health Agency using the contact information provided during the webinar for assistance with any My Health Record related issues.