Waitaha Primary Health is a Canterbury-based PHO with a long-standing history of supporting rural general practices and patient populations. Their network spans from Cheviot down to Tinwald, and from Hanmer Springs out to Akaroa.
The Centrik platform, developed by Webtools, powers applications that integrate in real-time with the patient's electronic health record. Using Centrik’s own Well app, Waitaha trial patients are able to connect to their general practice to access their health summary, immunisation history, conditions, lab results, and prescribed medications. Patients can also book and manage appointments, request repeat prescriptions, and message their primary care team.
The trial began in early August with staff and a number of patients at the two practices. Following the trial, it is expected that the Well app will be made available to all registered patients at each practice.
Adopting modern technology designed to address pain points for general practice was a key driver for the Waitaha Primary Health trial. Providing general practice teams with a more efficient and streamlined process to handle appointments and repeat prescriptions was particularly important as Covid-19 and winter illness continue to put pressure on primary care.
“We know that rural populations can benefit hugely from digital tools that break down the barriers of travel and time to access care. The Webtools team are excited to unleash the power of our technology into rural communities,” Webtools CEO, Harry Hawke said.
Well also offers patients an improved experience, providing modern and easy-to-use technology that aligns with the familiar mobile banking or social media experience. The app comes complete with native iOS and Android integrations for the patient including; biometrics for authentication, accessibility features, and native calendar integration.
Two other Waitaha Primary Health practices are already on the Centrik platform, using the branded Better Health Outcomes app under an agreement with owners, Better Health Group. The Well trial enables the same technology to be harnessed at other Waitaha general practices, and the trial opportunity will be extended to additional practices within their network, having the potential for even more practices and patients to benefit.
Centrik, developed by Christchurch company Webtools, has been built from the ground up using FHIR integrations and standards and connects to primary care facilities via Medtech’s ALEX® platform. Taking a standards-based approach means Well can be quickly turned on and deployed for practices throughout Aotearoa.
