Online learning improving healthcare

An online “learning centre” which details how the federal government’s new electronic health record system will work for patients and practitioners has been launched.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek last Friday (11 May 2012) launched an online “learning centre” which details how the federal government’s new electronic health record system will work for patients and practitioners.

Ms Plibersek said the launch of the website came after the government made a $233.7 million investment in the Budget to continue the rollout of the eHealth record system, which is being designed to modernise the way health services are delivered, making them safer and more efficient.

“eHealth will deliver benefits to Australian patients as it will ensure health practitioners are able to access their medical histories in one convenient location, reducing errors and making diagnosis and treatment quicker and easier,” she said.

From 1 July 2012, interested Australians will be able to register to create a personal eHealth record. The website explains how eHealth will be further developed over time.

Ms Plibersek said the new learning centre will inform and educate the public and healthcare professionals about eHealth and the personally controlled electronic health record system in the lead up to the July launch.

“This website will help people discover how eHealth can help streamline their interactions with the health system, as well as assist doctors and nurses learn about the new system, saving them time and effort once it is up and running.”

According to Mr Plibersek, the learning centre includes click-through modules tailored for the public and healthcare professionals, and case studies illustrating how eHealth records will benefit people in a variety of settings.

She added content will progressively be added to the site and encouraged patients and practitioners to continue to check for updates.

“Patients and practitioners can also register via the site to be kept up to date on all the eHealth news.”

Go to www.ehealth.gov.au and follow the link to the learning centre.