Secondly, image format is more than tenfold larger. Data management is more difficult, with increasing issues in maintaining the safety of the data through valid backups and restorations.
The recently appointed head of the Australian Digital Health Authority, Tim Kelsey, has called for a “bonfire of the faxes” acknowledging that paper format is not conducive to optimal care. The sentiment has been echoed by the former president of the RACGP, Dr Frank Jones.
There have been many attempts to solve the medical data communication problem. Several commercial providers now account for majority of data transfer between specialists and general practitioners. However, due to the unworkable requirement to use government digital signatures, few GPs send referrals to specialists electronically.
Allied health practitioners and pharmacists have also largely avoided using the existing commercial providers due to the cost and difficulties with software setup and maintenance.
One solution is to provide a common web based platform for sharing information and communicating with other members of the health care team. There have been a number of such solutions in recent years and the North Coast Primary Health Network, in conjunction with the Northern NSW Local Health District, have partnered with the global medical communication company, Orion, to pilot a solution on the North Coast.
The issue for all shared platforms is making the integration with the practitioner’s current software seamless. The commercial interests of the electronic medical record vendors are at odds with this requirement and are a significant roadblock to facilitating integration.
Commentators in the medical press have defended the fax as the lingua franca of medical communication. However, people of all ages, from 9 months to 90 years, have become comfortable with electronic communication tools.
Increasingly, frustrated members of the health community have resorted to insecure communication of patient data to general practitioners. While this has improved patient management, it falls foul of Australian Privacy Law for the management of health data.
Over the last 18 months the Northern Rivers General Practice Network has sponsored a program to facilitate communication between surgeries, pharmacies and allied health called the Northern Rivers Medical Exchange.
The Exchange aims to link those members in the local medical community who are not currently using any form secure electronic communication. The Exchange acts as a trusted party to allow communication between its members. It uses familiar web and email based technologies and focuses on an easy to use experience for its members.
The Exchange has been undergoing development in the Lismore region and now links all the major surgeries, most pharmacies and many other members of the community including psychologists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and exercise physiologists.
The Exchange is undergoing further development and testing but is now open to all health practitioners in the Northern Rivers region. Health practitioners in interested in joining the Exchange should email
