Health Information Management And Technology Plan

20 March 2001

Submissions Invited For Health Information Management And Technology Plan

ORGANISATIONS and consumers of the health and disability sector are being invited to contribute to a plan which will examine the current state and future needs of New Zealand's health information.

The Ministry, in consultation with District Health Boards, has initiated a project to develop a Health Information Management and Technology Plan (HIMTP).

Director General of Health Dr Karen Poutasi says the Plan will provide the health and disability sector with a framework for the management of health information over the next three to five years.

"The health information environment is evolving rapidly. We need to ensure that our health information systems keep pace to meet the requirements of the health and disability sector, and that they are cost effective, compatible and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare in New Zealand.

"This plan will review the current state of our health and disability information systems, the sector's information management and technology needs, and the actions required to meet those needs. In essence the plan will work to add value through health information."

Dr Poutasi says consumer and health sector participation in the submission process is vital for the development of the Health Information Management and Technology Plan (HIMTP).

"Health professionals and consumers are the people who work with, and are affected by, the existing health information systems. These people know, from experience, what works and what doesn't and many have suggestions as to how the situation could be improved. This submission process is providing an opportunity for these people to share their ideas."

The primary objective of the Plan is to improve health outcomes through the efficient and effective management of health information. It will address, among other things, data and systems capability, privacy, electronic health records and sector investment.

The development of the plan is being overseen by an Advisory Board appointed by Dr Poutasi, in consultation with District Health Boards. The Advisory Board is chaired by Hon David Caygill, who is also chair of ACC.

Submissions for the plan can be made either electronically via the HIMTP web page at www.moh.govt.nz/wave. Alternatively, submission documents can be obtained from the Ministry of Health, c/o HIMTP Submissions, Wellington.

Submissions close on 18 April 2001.

The Advisory Board is expected to present the Health Information Management and Technology Plan to Dr Poutasi by 30 June.

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