The South Island Alliance is conducting a survey into the digital management of specialist mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis patient information.
Through Health Connect South, the five South Island DHBs have access to the same clinical health information. Having shared access to information such as allergies, x-rays, medications, hospital admissions, and outpatient and community treatment, ensures health professionals have the information they need, when they need it, so they can deliver the best care possible for our South Island community.
Information relating to a person’s contact with specialist mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis services is also available in Health Connect South but is subject to an additional layer of security called a ‘break-glass.’ Clinicians who work within these services, do not have to break the glass to access patient records. However, clinicians not working within mental health services are required to specify why they are accessing the information in order to break the glass. This provides a means to audit the access of patient records.
The South Island Alliance is now reviewing the need for the break-glass. “We’ve come a long way in terms of how we share information and now we’re questioning whether the break-glass is still needed for specialist information,” explains Nigel Millar, Chief Medical Officer, Southern DHB.
“We want to make sure clinicians have access to all the information they need, while protecting the privacy of our patients too. We’d love to hear from people working in the health sector as well as members of our community, so on behalf of the South Island Alliance, I encourage you to take part in the survey and share it with your colleagues, friends and family. It’s relevant to us all.”
There are 15 questions and it should take around 15 minutes to complete. The closing date for the survey is Friday 23 August.
