What is the future of healthcare integration and information exchange in New Zealand?
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, New Zealand has been on a journey of transformation driven by the integration of healthcare information systems and the efficient exchange of health data. The vision for the future involves creating a seamless, interoperable, and patient-centric health information ecosystem.
The NZ healthcare sector has long recognised the need for improved information exchange. Studies reveal that a considerable gap exists between the available information and the evidence needed to support informed care decisions. This 'inference gap' hampers effective patient care and decision-making processes. While there is strong support among clinicians for better electronic access to healthcare information, challenges such as incompatible systems and funding limitations persist.
Significant steps have been taken towards achieving full interoperability across NZ's digital health ecosystem. The Health Information Standards Organisation (HISO) has released announced that they are working on an Interoperability Roadmap, guiding the sector towards the adoption of the New Zealand Core Data for Interoperability (NZCDI) standards. These standards, adapted from international models, will aim to facilitate the exchange of core personal health information in clinical workflows and enhance consumer access to health data.
The now paused Hira programme is another cornerstone initiative aimed at transforming health data accessibility. The rollout of My Health Record, which replaced the My Covid Record, enables citizens to access a broader range of health information, including National Health Index details, vaccination records, and more. The adoption of FHIR is pivotal in modernising NZ's healthcare information exchange. FHIR provides an open-source standard for healthcare data exchange, promoting seamless data sharing across disparate health systems.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on refining and expanding these initiatives to cover more aspects of healthcare delivery. The integration of various data sources, including hospital electronic medical records, general practice systems, and consumer-held data from wearables, will create a holistic view of patient health. This integrated approach will not only support clinical decision-making but also enable proactive healthcare management and personalised care. Moreover, the continued development of technical standards and frameworks will be crucial. Health NZ's efforts in establishing API standards are steps aiming to streamline data sharing processes and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services.
By leveraging technologies and fostering a collaborative approach among stakeholders, we can achieve a fully integrated health information system. This will not only improve patient outcomes but also create a more efficient and effective healthcare system that is responsive to the needs of all New Zealanders.