Survey Shows Most Don't Trust Government on Privacy
A Roy Morgan Research survey of 1,000 Australians commissioned by the AMA revealed that 66% would not consider their health records safe if they were maintained and safeguarded by the Federal Government.
Australia's health ministers have announced that they want to set up an e-health records system called Healthconnect, with information to be stored on regional databases.
"We are told that this system will be as safe as houses. But most Australians don't believe it," AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today.
"Almost two thirds (63%) of those in the July survey agreed that if medical records were to be stored electronically, then the access of these medical records should be controlled by both the individual and their doctor.
"A further 18% felt their doctor alone should control access while 14% felt the individual alone should control access. Only 3% felt the government should control it.
"Electronic health records could bring benefits for patients and doctors, such as reducing the likelihood of dangerous drug interactions or the need to undertake duplicate tests. But there are serious privacy issues that need to be addressed first. Advances in technology mean that regional storage facilities should be unnecessary and the data should be stored at the doctor practice level. We also need strong legislative protection for patient records.
"The legislation currently before Federal Parliament does not provide sufficient protection for patients and needs to be substantially beefed up before it becomes law.
"The latest breach of privacy involving Centrelink and confidential welfare numbers raises serious concerns about how the Federal Government can handle health records.
"How can we trust government with confidential health information when they print welfare PIN numbers on the front of envelopes?" Dr Phelps asked.
As many as 823,000 Centrelink clients may be affected by the accidental disclosure of the welfare reference numbers, according to newspaper reports at the weekend. The accident occurred with envelopes used to post a newsletter to people receiving disability, sickness and carer benefits.