South Australia
Archived document
HealthConnect SA is guiding the implementation of secure connectivity and e-health systems which will enable health care teams to manage patients with chronic conditions collaboratively.
The HealthConnect SA program office was established in June 2005 and is being delivered through the SA Department of Health.
HealthConnect SA is working on two major e-health projects: the South Australian Care Planning Project and the Broadband Security Packages project.
South Australian Care Planning Project
HealthConnect SA is implementing a web-based care planning system to help improve the health outcomes of patients with chronic conditions.
The effective management of chronic conditions requires a coordinated approach by health care providers across all health care sectors. Care planning plays a key role in this by fostering a collaborative approach between health care teams and patients.
The system will store a care plan on a secure web server, enabling authorised members of the health care team, and the patient, access to the one record. The care plan is kept up-to-date and is available at the point of care, resulting in improved information flows and a reduction in the risk of adverse events.
A tender process will source the most appropriate system that supports patient privacy and consent, decision support for health care providers, secure web-based messaging, accessibility for patients and health care providers, and emerging Australian health IT and data standards.
As part of this project, HealthConnect SA is conducting a 12 month trial of the Ozdocsonline care planning system to identify the change management activities required to implement the state-wide system effectively.
The trial, which commenced in November 2006, is being conducted in three Divisions of General Practice: Adelaide Central and Eastern Division, Southern Division and Yorke Peninsula Division of General Practice.
Over 75 GPs, 200 allied health providers and 70 patients are involved in the trial, which is being independently evaluated by Flinders University Department of General Practice.
Broadband Security Packages
HealthConnect SA is providing a limited number of secure broadband grants up to the value of $3,000 to South Australian general practices, specialists, pharmacies, residential aged care facilities and allied health providers.
The purpose of the grants is to ensure health care providers have a secure business grade broadband connection in place, so they can effectively participate in existing and emerging e-health initiatives.
The grant funds are for the installation of one of three secure broadband packages, which range from a ‘complete broadband package’ consisting of a 12 month broadband connection plus business grade security hardware and software features, to a basic security health check to help identify any current or potential security risks the practice may be exposed to.
Over 700 health providers have been allocated a package and package installations are now underway by a group of IT vendors selected by HealthConnect SA.
These packages complement the broadband connections provided to South Australian GP practices and pharmacies who participate in the Australian Government's Broadband for Health Program. South Australia experienced the highest uptake of the Broadband for Health Program in Australia, with more then 51% of GP practices and 93% of pharmacies now connected.
For more information about HealthConnect SA and its initiatives visit www.healthconnectsa.org.au, email healthconnect@health.sa.gov.au or telephone 1300 767 881.