Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has undertaken the Shared Digital Health Records (SDHR) project to consolidate patient health information for clinicians across the country. With funding of NZ$4 million, the project is set to launch its initial phase mid-year, aiming to streamline data from existing records like Health One, Your Health Summary, and TestSafe into a single, accessible format.
The primary goal of this project is to ensure system readiness through privacy control testing and to understand consumer priorities regarding data use and consent. It will also extend access to records not currently available to clinicians. The SDHR’s flexibility allows providers to opt out at any given time, and its first application includes supporting New Zealand’s 24/7 GP telehealth service.
Future expansions will prioritize urgent care facilities and emergency departments, focusing on extending data access to health sectors such as first responders, hospitals, and specialist services. This is aligned with a broader digital primary care initiative expected to be finalized soon. The objective is to address the problem of fragmented access to health records, ensuring clinicians have consistent and consolidated information.
The project builds on insights from previous projects like Hira, which included access to the National Health Index and vaccination records. Despite Hira facing budget cuts, its initial phase completion offers valuable lessons. Additionally, the National Data Platform, initiated last year, aims to create a secure environment for personal medical data and support evidence-based policy decisions.
In summary, the SDHR project aims to unify access to health records, improving healthcare delivery by addressing current data accessibility issues and ensuring robust privacy controls for patients in New Zealand.
