Sharing is caring

IT seems unfair that the focus of the Health Information Sharing Bill is only on what patients say to doctors or psychiatrists (“health is our own business”, Tim Quilty, Opinion, 24/5). Sharing implies a two-way conversation, with both patient and doctor attentive and aware of relevant information for an accurate and, importantly, holistic understanding of the problem/s.

A doctor asking certain questions may elicit answers that are not indicative of the patient’s true reality.

Consent to share health information should not just be about patients, but needs to include what health professionals say and think to know the reasons for prescribed treatments, ensuring they are based on verifiable facts, not assumptions and/or misguided judgements.

Mandating health professionals share their information could facilitate an “opt-out or opt-in mechanism” in the Bill and genuinely enhance healthcare in the state.