has called on the Department of Health and Children to introduce a single unique patient identifier for all Irish patients.
In its submission the Faculty of Public Health Medicine, RCPI say that better use of our existing health information could lead to better health outcomes, better patient safety and enhanced analytical ability within the health service. However the Faculty believes that these benefits cannot be achieved unless structural flaws in current systems are rectified through legislation.
The submission made three key recommendations
- The introduction of a unique patient identifier
- Strict regulation of population registries
- The use of de-identified personal health information for research
Unique patient identifiers
The notion of a single tracking number, which would record a patient’s interaction with all health providers, has been considered for many years. The Faculty believe that there should be a legislative basis for its use.
Calling for its introduction the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine, Dr. Anna Clarke, said “the case for a unique identifier is unarguable. It would streamline health services, lead to more integrated care and be consistent with the reforms being planned in the health service.”
At the same time the Faculty is conscious that such a system could only work if adequate security and confidentiality mechanisms are in place to preserve patient privacy.
Population registries
There are currently many population registries in existence and they have much to offer the Irish health service. A population registry collects cases relating to a particular disease or condition occurring in a defined population.
The Faculty believes that strict regulation in relation to population registries should be put in place. International examples have shown that these registries can be established with public confidence and receive patient support if appropriate governance procedures are in place. There must be standardisation in relation to governance procedures for registries and operating procedures.
Using personal Information for research
With regard to the use of personal information for research, the Faculty believes that a mechanism must be put in place to enable de-identified information, collected in the course of routine healthcare, to be used for research purposes. An appropriate legislative structure must be put in place to protect patient privacy and provide overall governance.
Concluding the submission Dr. Clarke said “The Faculty of Public Health Medicine, RCPI is happy to provide further support to the Department of Health & Children in what we believe is a very important piece of legislation. It must provide for the protection of the public and at the same time enhance the health service’s capacity to deliver safe, effective and evidence-based healthcare.”
For further information please contact;
Paul McAuliffe, Communications Manager
Direct : 01 8639765
Mobile : 087 682 1046
Main Ph: 01 8639700
paulmcauliffe@rcpi.ie
www.rcpi.ie
Download Faculty Submission
Download High Res Photo: Dr Anna Clarke, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine photographed with Minister Harney at a recent Faculty event.
Notes for Editor
The Department of Health and Children is preparing new legislation on the collection, use, sharing, storage, disclosure and transfer of personal health information as well as ensuring that the privacy of such information is appropriately respected. The closing date for submissions was the 11th of September 2008.
The main objectives of the Health Information Bill are:
- to establish a legislative framework to enable information –in whatever form- to be used to best effect to enhance medical care and patient safety throughout the health system,
- to facilitate the greater use of information technologies for better delivery of patient services, and
- to underpin an effective information governance structure for the health system generally.
The mission of The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is to develop and maintain high professional standards in specialist medical practice in order to achieve optimum patient care and to promote health nationally and internationally. Through its Faculties and Committees, RCPI has responsibility for the postgraduate education and training of doctors in Ireland in twenty-five medical specialties.
RCPI is fully committed to playing a full and proactive part in the transformation of the health service, as evidenced by its involvement in many strategic initiatives with the Medical Council, the Health Services Executive, the Department of Health and Children, and other Irish postgraduate medical training bodies.