Background
With an estimated 80% of Australians
visiting a general practitioner at least
once a year, the data generated by
GPs is a rich source of the overall health
profile of patients. However, this data is
rarely used to report on health outcomes.
Objective
This article reports on the use of remote
access of electronic medical records
(EMRs) for the purpose of collecting data
during a collaborative research project
involving the staff of three general
practices and an external research team.
Discussion
Throughout the project numerous
benefits to remotely accessing general
practice EMRs were identified. However,
there remain some difficulties which
need to be addressed. An increased
functionality of the software programs
used in general practice is required,
along with improvements in the utilisation
of the software capabilities. Collaboration
between clinicians, researchers and
clinical software developers will be vital to
advance this process.
Download the PDF for the full article.
Download article PDF