THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling for a fundamental transformation in the way health data is managed, with mandated standards to realise the potential of digital systems being able to connect and share data.
In a report launched today, the peak body said action is urgently needed if Australia is to meet the health challenges of an ageing population, changing disease patterns and increasingly complex health conditions.
"While we've seen some progress in digital interoperability, only one in 10 specialists use My Health Record and only one in five diagnostic imaging reports are uploaded due to inefficiencies and incompatibilities between My Health Record and health IT software," said AMA vice president Assoc Prof Julian Rait.
"Currently, most healthcare data is stored in isolated databases that use proprietary software [and] the systems aren't compatible with each other.
"At the end of the day, this means there are unnecessary delays in doctors getting access to crucial patient information."
Assoc Prof Rait said a legislated authority was needed to enforce interoperability standards, including data sharing protocols between software systems.
"Australian governments have committed to digital interoperability, but we haven't moved to implementing it by establishing the legal frameworks, rules and regulations needed.
"Without this step, having systems that talk to each other, benefiting patients and doctors alike, will remain a pipe dream," he concluded.
The report is available HERE.
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