Frequently Asked Questions

We were asked some good questions on our stand at the 2010 HINZ Conference, and have provided answers below. If you have any more questions for the IT Health Board, or about the National Health IT Plan, please email them to enquiries@ithealthboard.health.nz.

1. When will patients be able to access their record?

The target date for this vision is 2014, at which time the capability to allow individuals access to their personal health information will be available to patients. Pilots are currently underway with people with long-term conditions and expectant mothers to develop and test this capability. Depending on the results of these trials, it is likely that some patient groups will have access sooner than 2014.

2. How will the privacy of my health record be managed/protected?

Privacy considerations will be built into the design of any system that holds or shares personal health information and privacy impact assessments will be undertaken during the development phase of any new or changed systems. The establishment of regional information governance groups will improve the consistency of consideration of ongoing privacy matters. 

3. What incentive is there for health providers to share patient information with other health providers and patients? Will the reimbursement model change?

Sharing information with other health providers involved in the care of an individual to support good health outcomes for that person is fundamental to good clinical practice. It is envisaged that patient expectations for sharing or transfer of information will also be a significant driver for provider behaviour. Funding models may need to be adjusted to reflect changes in agreed clinical pathways. This is currently occurring for the Canterbury Initiative. More information about the Canterbury Initiative (External website, opens in new window).

4. How was the clinical leadership team established? How do they ensure viewpoints are representative of the sector?

The National Clinical Leadership Group was formed out of the Ministerial Review Group report recommendation that greater clinical leadership was required in the design and governance of information systems in the health sector. (e-Discharges, or Transfer of Care, was selected as the first project the group could make a difference on.)

About half the members were nominated by their colleges, and the other half were selected by the IT Health Board based on their standing in the clinical community and their work in health IT.

Any clinician with a burning issue that they would like to discuss with the Group can be invited as a visitor to one of the Group's regular meetings.

5. How are nurses represented on the IT Health Board?

Dr Chris Hendry is the nursing and midwifery representative on the IT Health Board. She is currently Executive Director of the Midwifery and Maternity Provider Organisation and was founding member of New Zealand Institute of Community Health Care (Nurse Maude Research Centre).

6. Who is on the IT Health Board?

The IT Health Board includes individuals with a range of skills and experience. The list of members is:

• Dr Murray Milner - Chair
• Tony Foulkes
• Dr Chris Hendry
• Nigel Millar
• Dr Harry Pert
• Elizabeth Plant
• Graeme Osborne - Director

7. Where can I find out more information about the Health Identity Programme?

This IT Health Board website is the authoritative source of information about initiatives in the National Health IT Plan, including the Health Identity Initiative. Information will be published over the next few weeks and months and will be updated as initiatives progress. Updates will also be provided through other channels as required, eg. direct to stakeholders, through seminars/conferences and the media.

In the meantime, please direct any questions to your regional relationship manager (Corinne Gower for Northern and Midland Regions and Judy Eves for Central and Southern Regions). Vendors should contact Simon Strombom, Vendor Relationship Manager.

8. What data systems sit behind clinical repositories?

The current data systems are the Sysmex Éclair product, which is branded as Testsafe in Auckland and Testsafe South in the South Island, and the Orion Clinical Data Repository which will be implemented as part of the Central Region Information Systems Plan (CRISP). 

9. Where does e-learning fit? IT? HR? Workforce development?

 e-Learning is considered an important tool for both the professional development of health practitioners and self-care by patients. It is recognised that e-learning touches on the many different points in the health system. The National Health IT Plan supports the use of e-learning tools, particularly with respect to decision support needs for patients and providers.