Launched in the South Eastern Trust, following the successful implementation of encompass, the new Regional digital patient health care record system, the ‘My Care’ app has been described as “empowering” by a service user.
Downpatrick’s Julie Power has shared how she has found the app, “The best way forward,” when it comes to the management of her medical data.
The My Care app gives patients and service users access to some of their healthcare information on their digital devices, via an app or web browser.
For those who choose to download the My Care app, it is free and optional to use. A patient or service user, may permit proxy access to third parties, such as a carer or family member, to help them manage their care.
Julie explained, “As a rare disease patient, having access to all my information, means you are more in control and can manage that information.”
Julie continued, “When the My Care app was launched, I was very keen to get my hands on it right away! As a rare disease patient, My Care is really important for me as a way to communicate with all the different consultants that I attend.
“As well as appointments within the South Eastern Trust, I attend a specialist clinic in Cambridge and because it has the same system, the clinicians have access to my information as well. It means that I don’t have to travel as we can have telephone conversations and they are happy with the care that I am receiving. There is no duplication anymore.”
“With My Care, I’m much more aware of my medical data and having access to my test results. I’m amazed at how quickly you can access those. When it comes to your medical visits, you are home and have a record of that visit and you know exactly what has happened and what they plan to do.”
With having to keep a watchful eye on her blood pressure, Julie said that with My Care, “I can keep an eye on that and compare it to my previous visits. It is so helpful in that way.”
For patients who are thinking of using My Care, Julie added, “It is really easy to use. You are notified of your appointments and everything is there for you to see. it’s all in one place and you don’t have to carry notes with you. It is definitely the best way for going forward. I feel much more empowered with My Care and much more in control. This is the future.”
People living in the South Eastern, Belfast and Northern Health Trusts can now use My Care. Anyone living in the Southern and Western Health Trusts will be able to access their personal health record via My Care as soon as encompass goes live in their areas.
For more information on My Care please visit My Care – South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust or telephone 028 95368180.