Digital patient files could be ‘IT nightmare’
Wednesday 21 January 2009
MPs ‘doubt very much’ whether the September 1 deadline for the introduction of digital patient files can be met, according to media reports on the parliamentary debate held with health minister Ab Klink on Tuesday.
The biggest concern is that the system, known as EPD, will not guarantee patient privacy. The possibility of patients managing their own files is also under discussion.
Opposition MP Halbe Zijlstra of the right-wing liberal VVD party told reporters that the introduction of the scheme has ‘all the elements of an IT nightmare’.
Nevertheless, almost all MPs support the new system which is intended to make it easier for doctors, hospital and pharmacy staff to access and exchange health records.
By mid-December 330,000 people had already registered to opt out of the EPD according to the Volkskrant.
The debate continues on Thursday.
© DutchNews.nl
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Monday: Between 2º and 5º with light snow or sleet. Around zero at night. Similar Tuesday
Any old Excuse, it seems.
Why not just get on with it, or is it that Doctors are the ones afraid of the change?
At present many patients are being asked by their Huisarts, at some Practices, to go to their previous Dr's Practices, or hospitals, get their files printed out, and then bring them to their new husiart.
How much easier is it, not to mention less frustrating, and more environmentally friendly, is it to do all this electronically.
If they are so worried about security, I'm sure the Dutch HealthCare System can afford to build their own network.
By Gerard | January 22, 2009 1:07 AM