National Health Reform

Concept of Operations: Relating to the introduction of a Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System

9.1 Outcomes and benefits

The implementation and adoption of a PCEHR System will enable more person-centred healthcare and will support a range of benefits and outcomes, including the following:

Area of outcome	Type of outcome and/or benefit
Appropriateness of care
Quality — supporting the provision of coordinated care across different healthcare providers over time and the application of evidence-based best practice at the right place and the right time.	The PCEHR System shall enable easier and more timely access to Shared Health Summaries, Discharge Summaries and other related clinical documents by both healthcare providers and the individual, and will contribute to improvements in: Assessment and treatment. Coordination and continuity of care, particularly chronic disease management by healthcare providers. Consumer engagement and self-management. Quality of recommendations provided by decision support systems using information from the PCEHR System. More opportunities to provide preventative care.
Safety — avoid or minimise situations which can harm or have the potential to harm patients during the course of care delivery.	Access to better quality, more timely patient health information will contribute to: Improvements in medication safety (e.g. a reduction in medication adverse events and near miss events). A reduction in avoidable/unplanned hospital admissions, emergency department attendances and GP visits.
Access — the ability of individuals to obtain healthcare at the right place and right time irrespective of socio-economic status, physical location and/or cultural background.	The PCEHR System has the opportunity to contribute to improvements in: Out of hours care. Geographic flexibility and mobility.
Sustainability of care
Efficiency— achieving the desired results with the most cost efficient use of resources (i.e. avoiding wasted equipment, supplies, personnel and energy).	Access to better quality, more timely health information will have the opportunity to contribute to: Clinical efficiency, i.e. allowing clinical staff to spend more time delivering health services instead of locating information. A reduction in duplicate testing. A reduction in avoidable/unplanned hospital admissions, emergency department attendances and GP visits Improved planning and resource utilisation.
Society- building a strong and resilient society through meeting the population's legitimate expectations regarding their health system.	The PCEHR System will contribute to improving the broader economy and society through: Increased consumer satisfaction with their healthcare delivery. Entrepreneurial opportunities for both established and new businesses. A stronger healthcare workforce due to improved job attractiveness and satisfaction rates. Economic flow on effects through significant program investments and a healthier population

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