MyHealthRecord in Australian Primary Health Care: An Attitudinal Evaluation Study

Abstract

Australia’s investment in the national MyHealthRecord has not been successfully communicated to the myriad of stakeholder groups, resulting in negative perceptions about the system and serious consequences for the uptake of the MyHealthRecord. Local stakeholder attitudes and perceptions will be crucial in setting the scene for success or failure with MyHealthRecord. A survey was undertaken to identify primary healthcare provider perceptions of the MyHealthRecord system, and capture the perceived enablers and barriers for use of the MyHealthRecord system. Almost all (89%) of the twenty-seven (27) respondents had previously heard of the MyHealthRecord system prior to completing the survey. Enablers included a decrease in duplication of effort and an increase in continuity of care. However, concerns about the perceived impact on healthcare provider time, privacy, access controls, and the need for full participation will need to be managed if MyHealthRecord is to be successfully implemented. The MyHealthRecord system will only be perceived as trustworthy when there is full participation by healthcare organisations, providers, and consumers. If Australian consumers become participants in an opt-out approach, it will be a catalyst for participation by healthcare organisations and providers. Incentives to encourage MyHealthRecord participation need to be extended to all healthcare providers as healthcare provider attitudes are influential with consumers. Therefore MyHealthRecord training and education needs to be targeted towards healthcare providers. Research into the attitudes of the local healthcare provider cohort is valuable in creating a change management strategy for maximising local success.