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In this issue, we continue with the coverage of the enhanced Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section
of the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) website, this time focusing on topics of concern
for healthcare professionals (HCProfs).
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Do you belong to one of the HCProf groups that can access eHRSS for providing healthcare to your patients? Has an eHRSS user account just been created for you? Here are some tips for you to start using the system.
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Use of eHRSS by HCProfs
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Q:
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Can I access patients’ information in eHRSS any time?
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Health records in eHRSS are readily accessible round-the-clock. However, please note that information of patients should only be accessed when they are under your care, and you should judge the need case by case when providing care to them. As a privacy protection measure, patients will receive notifications when their records in eHRSS have been accessed.
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Q:
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Can I get access to eHRSS by using a computer notebook connected to the internet when
providing home care to patients?
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Yes. You can log into eHRSS through your notebook computer
installed with software package that enables safe access to
eHRSS. For security protection, mobile devices, such as mobile
phones or tablets, cannot be used to access eHRSS at present.
Remember to observe the relevant IT security policies and
guidelines for eHRSS, particularly when accessing the system
outside ordinary clinical settings, for example, when using a public
internet network.
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Q:
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Can I access patients’ information for pre-attendance care or post discharge follow-up when they are not physically with me?
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Before patients physically turn up for healthcare, for example, before their attendance or pre-admission, access to their electronic health records (eHRs) is acceptable but caution should be exercised. Informing patients in advance (for example, when they make appointment with you) about such possible access will minimise any misunderstanding.
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After the patients have received care and been discharged, it is also acceptable to access their eHRs if it is indicated in the system. As far as practicable, do inform patients in advance about the possible access. |
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Q:
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What should I do if my patients ask me to access their eHRs and print/download all information
for them?
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You should advise your patients to approach the eHR Registration Office for a copy of their personal
health data stored in eHRSS by making a Data Access Request (DAR) according to Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap 486) (PDPO). Application form is available at
the eHRSS website.
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Q:
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Is putting down information about patients’ relatives in the records permitted? Will it be taken as
a violation of the PDPO if the records are in
eHRSS and later disclosed to patients or other people in the DAR report?
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Information in patients’ records should be collected on a reasonable basis and not in an excessive manner as required under PDPO. Reasonable caution should be exercised in handling personal information related to other individuals in patients’ records.
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Please note that judgment should be exercised on how much information of other individuals shall be documented in patients’ records. Consent from individuals concerned should be sought as far as practicable and feasible.
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Please refer to
http://m.ehealth.gov.hk/en/ehr_related_information/faq/healthcare_provider_and_professional.html
for more FAQs for HCProfs.
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