How can a HCP prepare for eHRSS?

Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) with HCP

The implementation of the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) is more than just an information technology (IT) project. Are healthcare providers (HCPs) in Hong Kong prepared to embark on a journey to understand and use the eHRSS? Here are some important points to help them engage the system.

With the passage of the eHRSS bill by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in July 2015, the system will commence operation in the first quarter of 2016. The advantages of eHR sharing are plenty. It is a major step towards enhancing the continuity and efficiency of healthcare services provided by the public and private sectors, thereby helping HCPs improve service quality and reduce costs.

Before walking through the journey, it is important to note that eHRSS implementation is not simply about installing new software and hardware. Rather, it is more about changing the way a hospital/clinic operates, requiring some preparation.

eHRSS implementation at HCPs
 
1.
Access to eHR
  •  
   Governed by the eHRSS Ordinance (Cap. 625)
  •  
   Voluntary participation for both HCPs and healthcare recipients (HCRs)
  •  
   Hospitals/clinics’ computers can only be connected to the eHRSS through:
   
  •  
   Fixed IP address; or
  •  
   Installed eHR communication module - Encapsulated Linkage Security Application (ELSA)
  •  
   To view eHR clinical data
   
  •  
   both the HCR and the HCP must join the eHRSS
  •  
   sharing consent is given by the HCR to the HCP
Access to eHR
     
2.
Sharing Data to the eHRSS
  •  
   HCPs provide readily sharable electronic data within the pre-defined scope
  •  
   eHR data standard
   
  •  
   guarantees accurate patient demographic data
  •  
   contains multi-standards compliance for sharing clinical data
Level 1 : free-text / PDF document
Level 2 : structured data with local value
Level 3 : structured data with standard value

  •  
   Computer generated data only (including PDF) and no scanning of manual records (handwritten discharge summaries accepted during initial lauch as transitional arrangement)
Sharing Data to the eHRSS
     
3.
Testing / Infrastructure Setup
  •  
   Security assessment
   
  •  
   assessment checklist on security and connection to the eHRSS
  •  
   Connectivity
   
  •  
   network infrastructure
  •  
   system interface and integration
  •  
   Data interface
   
  •  
   IT interface programmes to upload and download data
  •  
   Testing of data interface and system integration
Testing / Infrastructure Setup
     
4.
Becoming an eHR Registration Centre
  •  
   Setup
   
  •  
   determine the location within the premises of the HCP
  •  
   physical setup, e.g. storage of forms and fax machine
  •  
   Training to staff
   
  •  
   HCR registration
  •  
   obtaining patient consent for sharing
  •  
   record activation
  •  
   any other related operation procedures
Becoming an eHR Registration Centre
 
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