What can New Zealand do to enable and sustain ‘health information and data’ sharing with patients and providers across the system?
New Zealand's healthcare system is poised for transformation through enhanced data sharing among patients and providers. This shift aims to streamline patient care, improve outcomes, and empower both individuals and healthcare professionals with seamless access to health information. To achieve and sustain effective health information and data sharing, we need to look at a variety of strategies. The development and implementation of robust interoperability standards are crucial. The Health Information Standards Organisation (HISO) has been proactive, creating guidelines such as the NZ Core Data for Interoperability (NZCDI), inspired by the US Core Data standards. These standards ensure that data from different health systems can communicate effectively, supporting a cohesive exchange of patient information.
Another key aspect of sustained data sharing is adopting policies that encourage data to be shared as a norm rather than an exception. The ‘sharing by default’ model, which mandates the inclusion of critical patient data such as diagnostic reports and test results in accessible health records, can significantly enhance care coordination. This approach has been effective in other regions, such as Australia, where legislative measures were introduced to enforce such data sharing. Further, ensuring that patient data is managed securely and ethically is paramount. The HISO guidelines, which include frameworks for data governance and security (e.g., HISO 10064:2017), set a solid foundation for maintaining data integrity.
Additionally, patients should also have the ability to access and manage their health information. Granting individuals control over their data, including options for consent management and the ability to view, correct, or restrict access, enhances patient engagement and ensures transparency. This approach aligns with the broader goal of patient-centric care, reinforcing their role in making informed health decisions.
All of this will require substantial investment in digital infrastructure. Additionally, training healthcare providers to use digital tools effectively ensures that the transition benefits the entire system. Observing and integrating successful strategies from other countries, such as the European Union’s Health Data Space regulation or Australia’s ‘duty to share’ legislation, can provide NZ with a practical roadmap for enhancing its data sharing policies. These measures collectively will work towards creating a robust, patient-centric system that improves health outcomes and supports the evolving needs of modern healthcare.