Public and private doctors can now share patient records, with roll-out of data system

Doctors from the public and private sectors are now able to share patient health records, with the roll-out yesterday of a long-delayed data system, but the city’s health chief noted the system still had a long way to go to reach its full potential.

The Electronic Health Record Sharing System will be open from Sunday for public registration, subject to patient consent, enabling the city’s public sector doctors to view patients’ health records kept by private hospitals and clinics and vice versa.

The voluntary scheme for health care providers was put in place after years of debate over concerns that people’s privacy was at risk, with many questioning the reliability of a private-public partnership.

More than 20 public medical service providers, under the supervision of the Hospital Authority, have contributed to the system, as well as all 11 of the city’s private hospitals.

“This is just the beginning of a long trial,”said Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man at the scheme’s launch yesterday. “Until now, many community clinics have not signed up for the scheme, and we are still seeking to cooperate with some major health care services groups in pushing it forward.”

The electronic sharing platform was technically capable of processing nine types of patient data, including records on adverse reactions and allergies, diagnosis, immunities, and appointment summaries, which could be accessed by doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists.