AUSTRALIA | Electronic prescriptions will now be introduced into the Australian healthcare system, following various industry-led calls.
Ageing Australia has welcomed the decision by Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to grant a further extension for non-conformant Electronic Residential Medication Chart (eNRMC) vendors until December this year, following advocacy by Ageing Australia.
Further extensions to be granted pending progress towards performance.
“We’re pleased the Department has listened to the issues raised by Ageing Australia and providers. In a nutshell, the extension means providers using Telstra Health’s MedPoint software do not have to take emergency action this year to address a problem not of their making,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
“Over the past three weeks we have been working with impacted providers, the Minister’s office, the Department, Telstra Health, GPs and pharmacists, to ensure Telstra Health’s non-conformance does not impact on those receiving aged care. The extension is the most practical way to achieve this moving forward.”
“This decision reflects the need for a measured and safe transition to electronic prescribing across residential aged care.”
“We will continue to work closely with government and vendors to ensure providers have the clarity, support and systems they need throughout this extended transition.”
“We have also communicated our frustration with how this matter was handled. The lack of communication with providers was not good enough, and we are working to ensure this does not happen again.”
This followed the release of the aged care report, which highlighted the need for improving access to support at home services.
“The recommendation to end the rationing of home care packages is particularly welcome. People should be able to access care as they need it and when they need it,” Symondson said.
“Revelations more than 200,000 older people are either waiting for home care packages, or waiting just to be assessed, were alarming. Clearing the wait list and ending the rationing of care packages is a priority.”
The report also warned the introduction of new ICT systems continues to be a risk for both Government and providers ahead of the start of the New Aged Care Act on November one.
“We know how much work has been done since the delay of the Act. Making sure it works is a top priority for everyone, to ensure older Australians enjoy seamless care.”
The concept of a Single Assessment System is a positive step forward, and the sector welcomed its introduction. However, with the large waiting list just to be assessed, clearly further work is needed before it’s fit for purpose.
“We know that aged care reforms will not be perfect on day one of the new Act, and it’s important that we keep striving for improvements to our systems.”
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