Overhaul of patients’ records

NEW messaging standards which provide a blueprint for the transfer and sharing of electronic patient records will facilitate faster diagnosis and cut out duplicate diagnostic testing according to the health watchdog.

Designed for GPs and published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the technical standards for information systems outline the way patient information, ranging from blood test results, diagnosis information, referrals and X-rays, can be accurately and safely transferred between healthcare services.

Prof Jane Grimson, HIQA director of health information, said the standards were “a significant development for patient safety in Ireland.”