Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has recently announced a significant contract award aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the forthcoming Shared Digital Health Record (SDHR) system. The primary objective of this initiative is to streamline clinicians’ access to patient information on a nationwide scale.
According to Darren Douglass, the acting chief information and technology officer of the organization, local IT service provider Middleware New Zealand has been selected to provide specialized expertise in Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), as well as support in architecture, development, testing, and project management for the NZ$4 million ($2 million) project.
Te Whatu Ora is currently engaging in discussions with various health and healthcare entities to encourage their involvement and integration with the SDHR. Further procurements are anticipated to bolster this effort, pending additional funding in the future.
The adoption of FHIR, along with SNOMED-CT and International Patient Summary, as the primary standard for electronic health information exchange in New Zealand underscores the importance of interoperability in healthcare data sharing. Te Whatu Ora’s commitment to a FHIR-first policy emphasizes the mandatory incorporation of FHIR in health data exchange solutions, including APIs and messaging services.
The SDHR will serve as a pivotal tool in consolidating nationally available clinical data and existing shared digital health records into a cohesive and uniform interface. Currently, access to shared health records like Health One, Your Health Summary, and TestSafe is fragmented and inconsistent, hindering clinicians’ ability to access comprehensive patient information across the country. Providers participating in the SDHR project will have the flexibility to join or leave the platform as needed.
One of the primary applications of the SDHR will be in supporting the 24/7 GP telehealth service, with plans for its implementation currently underway. Additionally, future iterations of the SDHR are expected to play a crucial role in urgent care facilities and emergency departments, enhancing the delivery of healthcare services in these critical settings.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and its partners in driving interoperability through the SDHR signify a significant step towards achieving a more connected and efficient healthcare system in the country. The utilization of cutting-edge technologies like FHIR underscores the organization’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation for the betterment of patient care and healthcare delivery nationwide.
