Sharing the records: St Patrick’s launch Ireland’s first online patient portal

Ireland’s first-ever ‘portal’ to allow patients to view and amend their health records online has been launched by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS).

Described as “a secure, online platform”, the Your Portal programme will enable SPMHS service users to access their health records remotely.

“Your Portal aims to empower service users by providing online access to record, share and view their own health-related information using a computer, smartphone or tablet,” a spokesperson said.

“Service users will also have the choice to share their records with other healthcare providers or supporters who are involved in their care such as family members, GP or carer.”

Three years ago, SPMHS was the first healthcare provider in Ireland to introduce a fully integrated electronic health record – and the new portal was in keeping with the recently updated national mental healthcare strategy Sharing the Vision, the spokesman added,

SPMHS Medical Director Prof Paul Fearon said involving service users in their recovery was crucial to positive clinical outcomes.

“Guided by a strong human rights framework, we are committed, as part of our strategy, to developing infrastructure that will empower service users to be involved in their care and treatment,” Prof Fearon said.

“This new portal will transform how service users participate with, and use, our services, facilitating them to take an active role in their journey to recovery.”

Orla Gogarty, Director of Digital Health at St Patrick’s added: “Enabling service users to have access to their own health information in real time through enabling technology is transformational and empowering. Our key focus is the continuous development and integration of innovative, safe and reliable technologies which support our service users to access and engage in their treatment and recovery.”

“Our new portal will offer greater convenience to service users and will ultimately enable us to pursue new technology approaches in this rapidly developing and exciting area of mental health treatment,” she added.

Sean Fitzpatrick, member of the Service User Advisory Network of St Patrick’s, said service users were involved with the Your Portal project from the “very beginning”.

“From functionalities such as being able to share information with friends and family when in need of support, it is clear that the portal places service users at its core and will empower them in their recovery journey,” he said.

Your Portal will be rolled out in phases this month.

During the first phase, SPMHS service users will be able to view appointment details, receive messages from their care team, complete forms contributing to their care and treatment, and access links to other resources and websites providing helpful information.

Eventually, SPMHS service users will be able to view diagnosis and medication information; access assessments and forms; watch informational videos; and monitor mood, sleep and/or eating patterns and similar, and discuss these with their clinician.

Visit www.stpatricks.ie/your-portal for more information.

Peter.doyle@imt.ie