More functions added to health record sharing system

The government is planning to add more functions to Macau’s electronic health record system, according to a report by TDM. Launched in February 2017, the eHR Pilot Program intends to facilitate the sharing of resources between public and private health institutes in Macau, and to provide adequate and appropriate health services to residents more quickly.

This time, health authorities are considering establishing an individual account for residents so they can have online access to public services (healthcare included).

Through the eHR platform, the clinics under the Health Bureau’s (SSM) leadership, the Kiang Wu Hospital and the Conde de São Januário Central Hospital have mutual access to the data of each other’s patients.

According to the report, the SSM is looking for a centralized system to improve efficiency. Through the centralized system, individuals will be able to authorize the related parties to exchange information immediately.

Moreover, health records and body check-up reports will also be reviewable by the authorized parties online.

Residents will have an account which can connect them to different public services.

Individuals will be required to register with their real name, since “medical records contain rather sensitive information,” according to Leong Kei Hong, Chief of the Department of Organisation and Information of the SSM.

According to the SSM, by enrolling in the program, residents allow doctors to access their medical records from the aforementioned medical organizations, which may reduce the repetition of medical tests or the misuse of medications.

The SSM also claims that the program incorporates strict procedures to protect personal data.

Physicians must first obtain the patients’ consent at each medical visit before they can consult the patients’ personal data. Residents will also be alerted by SMS through the phone number they used register in the eHR platform.

Enrolment in the eHR Pilot Program is optional and free.
Since February 28, 2017 (the official launch date of the program), more than 13,000 people are already enrolled in eHR Pilot Program. Seventy percent of those enrolled are residents aged over 40.