NSW Health has announced the start of a major review into its Personal Health Record, known as the ‘Blue Book’, and is inviting comment from parents, carers and health professionals.
The Blue Book is a key resource for every parent and/or carer of newborn babies in the state and has been produced by NSW Health since 1988.
Dr Elisabeth Murphy, Senior Clinical Advisor, NSW Health, said the content in the Blue Book had evolved over time to reflect current evidence and support families raising children in NSW and would continue to do so into 2017 and beyond.
“The Blue Book aims to support NSW families as they raise their children and identify any child health or developmental problems early, in order to maximise positive health outcomes,” Dr Murphy said.
In addition, the Blue Book helps document a child’s health and can be used as a reference in to adulthood.
“To ensure the Blue Book remains relevant to every parent, carer and health professional, NSW Health has, as part of the review process, also developed an online survey to encourage feedback, from those who use the Blue Book most!” Dr Murphy said.
“The survey is an important opportunity for all parents, carers and health professionals in NSW to share their thoughts on the Blue Book so we can continue to optimise it.”
The survey is available until December 23, 2016 and can be accessed at the link www.surveymonkey.com/r/PHRREVIEW
Background:
• Since 1988, the Blue Book has been subject to regular major reviews.
• Since 2006 these reviews have been undertaken on a five-yearly cycle.
• The last major review of the Blue Book was conducted in 2012. It involved the largest survey of stakeholder views on the Blue Book to date.
• Approximately 100,000 Blue Books are issued to NSW families each year.
