HealthConnect Trials
HealthConnect reports released. Please go to the What's new page to find more information.
HealthConnect trials are being conducted in order to test the effectiveness of the health information network in a 'live' setting. The trials have demonstrated and tested the value, feasibility and acceptability of HealthConnect, and informed the preferred model for HealthConnect.
The national implementation of HealthConnect to begin in Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory will not affect the trials which will continue in their current format in the short to medium term. The trials will continue to provide valuable information for the design and implementation of HealthConnect.
The trials aim to improve the quality of health care in the individual host regions by providing for more complete, appropriate and timely sharing of information among those involved in delivering and managing health care services. They also provide an understanding of the value of HealthConnect to consumers and health care providers, including the impact on health care outcomes.
HealthConnect trials have been operating in Tasmania and the Northern Territory since 2002. In 2003 another trial commenced in North Queensland, and in 2005 more trials will begin in New South Wales and South Brisbane.
The Tasmanian HealthConnect Trial took place in southern Tasmania and focussed on adults with diabetes. The Trial ended on 30 November 2004.
The Northern Territory HealthConnect Trial is taking place in the Katherine region and focuses on Indigenous health issues associated with a mobile population in a rural and remote area.
The North Queensland HealthConnect Trial is based in the Townsville region and focuses on people undergoing elective surgery at The Townsville Hospital, many of whom travel long distances to attend the hospital for surgery.
The Brisbane Southside HealthConnect Trial will test particular design architecture for HealthConnect and will focus on adults with diabetes.
The New South Wales HealthConnect Trial involves two separate pilot projects. One pilot will involve children in Greater Western Sydney, the other focuses on adults with chronic disease in the Hunter Valley region on the NSW Central Coast.
A national privacy framework based on the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 underpins HealthConnect trials. General privacy legislation and a requirement to abide by HealthConnect rules apply to the HealthConnect trials.
HealthConnect is well accepted in trial locations. Those participating in the trials consider the information collected through HealthConnect is of value in the provision of clinical care, particularly in the way it improves the flow of information between consumers and their health care providers.
There has been a high uptake of HealthConnect by consumers and providers keen to participate in the trials, with participants supporting the continuation of the trials.
Internationally, as in Australia, evaluation of initiatives such as HealthConnect has not been carried out over a sufficient length of time to provide fully supported evidence for longer term outcomes. The trials contribute to important case study evidence worldwide.