Using information and communications technology to enable the exchange of information between New Zealand clinicians and health providers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to examine the current state of healthcare information exchange in the New Zealand health and disability sector. The paper describes the priorities and main drivers and barriers to creating a free flow of health information in the New Zealand health system.


METHODS
The paper draws on findings from extensive research of over 2500 New Zealand clinicians and decision-makers conducted from 2007 to 2009 and other references.


RESULTS
The research findings support a view that technology-enabled information exchange could significantly improve healthcare delivery processes and enable person-centred care initiatives. Three-quarters of clinicians surveyed agreed that better electronic access to healthcare information could improve the way they provided health services. The research suggests that the greatest potential for benefit in the sector is in improving the capability to electronically exchange test results, patient referrals, discharge summaries, and medication information. While there is widespread support for improving health information communication technology, there is also a strong belief that a lack of compatible systems, as well as the need for increased funding, are major barriers to progress.


CONCLUSIONS
Making the priority areas of information available when and where they are needed will require a coordinated approach across the health sector involving funders, providers, vendors, decision-makers and clinicians.
McKenna
Ross
R
Health System Infrastructure, National Health Board Business Unit, Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand. ross_mckenna@moh.govt.nz
D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000379:methods*; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D009520:New Zealand; D012189:Retrospective Studies