The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), in partnership with the University of Sydney, is pleased to launch a study into the use of My Health Record in Rapid Access Cardiology care. My Health Record is a secure health portal by which citizens can store their personal health record.

The Agency and the University of Sydney have launched the pilot to investigate how My Health Record can support the management of low to intermediate risk chest pain patients through the Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic (RACC) model, initially based at Westmead Hospital.

The pilot aims to enhance the quality, safety and efficiency of cardiology services, and if successful, may be scaled up to roll out across the country. It is expected that this study will yield lower rates of hospital readmissions and avoid a rise in major adverse cardiac events, such as heart attacks.

Furthermore, the pilot, may also help to develop targeted cardiovascular disease prevention programs including lifestyle modifications to address common risk factors such as high blood pressure.

During the pilot, clinicians will access a person’s My Health Record when they present to the Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic at Westmead Hospital and draw on the information within the record to make quicker diagnoses and treatment decisions.