My Health Record

In 2019, Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) commissioned Health Issues Centre to explore the consumer experience of, and sentiment towards engaging with My Health Record (MHR).

Background

My Health Record commenced in 2012 and provides an online summary of an individual’s key health information, accessible by the individual and healthcare professionals involved in their care. The program was redesigned and rebranded as My Health Record – a universal opt-out system effective from January 2019.

Although the opt-out level is relatively low (approximately 10% of the population), the level of engagement of those with an active record is also low. It is currently estimated that less than one is 10 Australians have accessed their My Health Record with over 21 million people having never accessed their record (full details are contained in the project report available from ADHA).

Project Parameters

The project included exploring consumers’ views of the perceived benefits and risks of the platform, enablers and barriers as well as perceptions of current ADHA information relating to different aspects of the platform. Specifically, Health Issues Centre engaged with two consumer cohorts:

individuals with multiple complex chronic physical conditions/morbidities for whom there is a strong value proposition for an integrated health record, and/or:
individuals who have a mental health related medical diagnosis for whom concerns around disclosure and secondary access are elevated.