The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has backed government plans to introduce a new National Medicines Record system.
The say the scheme is a ‘core part of the AMA’s new interoperability work’ and reflects their ‘public stance that without enforceable rules, joined‑up care remains a pipe dream’.
The National Medicines Record will leverage existing record systems to deliver a consolidated view of each patient’s history at the point of care.
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler says the system is a vital step towards giving citizens and healthcare stakeholders more confidence that medical record-keeping is fit-for purpose in a digital era.
“These reforms are the first step toward delivering a National Medicines Record for all Australians, ensuring that patients and their care teams can have accurate and up-to-date medicine information,” Butler said.
“Ensuring this information is accessible to a patient’s usual general practitioner (GP) and other healthcare providers will support safer clinical decision-making, reduce the risk of medicine-related harm, and strengthen trust across the healthcare system.”
The National Medicines Record will bring clarity to a set-up in Australia which has become fragmented due to different ways of working across the healthcare system.
One of the primary concerns for patients in the current system is how providers use your medical history, particularly with regards to sensitive issues such as weight loss.
While the reputable providers featured on telehealth comparison platform Medicompare operate to the highest digital standards, several other sectors in Australian healthcare have failed to follow suit.
The AMA has welcomed the introduction of the National Medicines Record, saying it will strengthen the continuity of care and create a curated record that all stakeholders can trust.
“Doctors want digital tools that lighten workload,” the AMA said in a statement. AMA member feedback on e‑Prescribing shows clinicians value it, but flag persistent software and usability barriers and patient difficulties with repeats, confidence and security.
“A curated medicines list is viewed positively if it is accurate and integrated. The National Medicines Record must be embedded in GP and hospital software, not added as another portal.
“Implementation should align with the department’s publicly advised electronic National Residential Medication Chart (eNRMC) systems transition for aged care so we avoid new islands of data as facilities move to electronic charting.
“We will work with the department and the Digital Health Agency to ensure timelines and vendor conformance settings are reflected in design and rollout.”
The AMA urged the government to ensure that the new system has ‘clear stewardship’ and that the rules governing it are ‘defined and published up front so clinicians and patients can trust the record from day one’.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has also supported the new scheme, with president Dr Wright saying it is ‘sensible move’ for the healthcare sector.