In the healthcare industry, efficient and secure record-keeping is crucial to ensure continuity of care, compliance with regulations, and the protection of sensitive patient information. However, the challenges involved in maintaining accurate and accessible records can be daunting, especially as the volume of data grows and regulations evolve.
Compu-Stor provides customized solutions to assist healthcare providers with record-keeping challenges. Compu-Stor offers tailored solutions to help healthcare providers with record-keeping issues. The Australian Digital Health Agency states that keeping health information secure is crucial. This is especially important as the industry uses more digital technologies. Failure to manage these records effectively can lead to significant risks, including compromised patient care and hefty penalties for non-compliance.
You may be wondering how long hospitals keep patient records in Australia. The length of time that hospitals must keep patient records varies depending on the state or territory and the type of record. However, there are general guidelines:
- For Adults: In most Australian states and territories, hospitals are required to keep patient records for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the last entry in the record.
- For Minors: Records must be kept until the patient turns 25 years old (i.e., 7 years after the patient turns 18), or for 7 years from the date of the last entry, whichever is longer.
Issues in healthcare records management
The consequences of poor record keeping in healthcare are significant and can damage healthcare providers’ reputations, be costly operationally, and most damaging of all would be the impact on the care received by the patients. So why aren’t healthcare records being managed better? Below are some of the issues faced in recordkeeping:
1. Data Security and Privacy:
With the digitisation of health records, protecting patient data from breaches and unauthorised access has become a top priority. Healthcare providers must comply with strict regulations, such as the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act (HRIP).
2. Managing High Volumes of Data:
Healthcare providers create a lot of data, including patient records, images, and lab results, which can be very overwhelming. Properly managing, storing, and retrieving this data is essential for operational efficiency and patient care.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
Healthcare providers are subject to a host of regulations that stipulate how records must be kept, stored, and accessed. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties and damage to reputation.
4. Transitioning from Paper to Digital:
While many healthcare providers are moving towards electronic health records, the transition from paper-based systems can be challenging. This process requires careful planning, execution, and skills to ensure no critical information is lost.
How Compu-Stor Can Help
Compu-Stor understands these challenges and offers comprehensive solutions designed to meet the specific needs of the healthcare sector. Here’s how we can help:
1. Data Security and Compliance
- ISO 27001 Certification: Compu-Stor’s information security management system is ISO 27001 certified, ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards of data security. This certification demonstrates our commitment to protecting your sensitive patient information.
- Multi Factor Authenticator: Compu-Stor has various methods of multi factor login including Azure and OKTA integrations. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) offers further insights on how to protect health information.
- Secure Storage Solutions: We provide secure digital and physical storage solutions that meet regulatory requirements, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
2. Efficient Data Management
- Document Digitisation: Compu-Stor offers comprehensive digitisation services, converting your paper records into easily accessible digital formats. This not only frees up physical space but streamlines data retrieval and management. This aligns with the Australian Government’s goal of a digital health system. You can find further information about the goals at Australian Digital Health Agency.
- Customisable Record Management: We provide tailored solutions that allow you to manage your records according to your specific needs. We can help with storing, accessing, or destroying records based on your needs, whether short-term or long-term.
3. Simplifying Regulatory Compliance
- Audit-Ready Documentation: Compu-Stor provides services that ensure your records are always audit-ready. Our solutions include detailed audit trails, access logs, and automated reporting, helping you stay compliant with ease.
- Regulatory Expertise: Our consulting team stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes and can provide knowledge on how to manage your records in compliance with new and existing regulations. For more information on healthcare regulations in Australia, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care provides valuable resources and guidelines.
4. Transition to Digital Records
- End-to-End Transition Support: Whether you’re fully transitioning to digital records or operating in a hybrid environment, Compu-Stor offers support at each step. We handle everything from initial planning and scoping to the digitisation process and ongoing management.
- Training and Support: We provide training for your staff on how to use new software, helping them understand the systems and contribute to a digital future.
Why Choose Compu-Stor?
At Compu-Stor, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to offer healthcare providers reliable and secure record-keeping solutions. We help you manage current challenges. Our services also support your growth for future needs. We ensure your record-keeping practices are up to date and effective.
Proven Track Record: We have a history of successfully partnering with healthcare providers and major hospitals across Australia including The Royal Eye and Ear Hospital, Mount Hospital, and St John Ambulance Australia, helping them streamline their operations and improve patient care through better record management.
We understand that every healthcare provider has unique needs, which is why we offer customised solutions that align with your specific operational requirements.
In an industry where accurate and secure record-keeping is paramount to delivering public services with critical outcomes, healthcare providers need a partner they can trust. Compu-Stor offers the expertise, technology, and services necessary to overcome the challenges of record-keeping in healthcare.
By partnering with us, you can focus on what you do best—providing exceptional care to your patients—while we take care of the rest.
Call us at 1300 559 778 or email us at **@co********.au for a free consultation.
