Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Clinivid restricted to Australian health providers?
Clinivid is a communication platform specifically designed for clinicians to securely share clinical information, including sensitive health information, with each other to provide better treatment and care to patients. Australian and State based privacy legislation in dealing with this type of information apply fully to registered health practitioners. This is relevant, as Clinivid does not have access to any of the information shared by its users and users are responsible for proper handling of personal and sensitive information.
Do I need the patient's consent to transmit information
about their treatment via Clinivid?
Patients need to consent to their sensitive health information being shared via Clinivid. It is the responsibility of the clinicians sharing such information to have obtained or be able to rely on sufficient consent from the patient before sharing any personal or sensitive information with other clinicians. This is a requirement for any type of information sharing, whether it is on the phone, in writing or via Clinivid. In general, consent is either obtained at the time when the information is collected from the patient, when they are referred to other clinicians or where the patient requests the health service. For example, if a GP refers a patient for a CT, consent to communicate results back via Clinivid can be obtained from the patient by the GP when referring the patient (download our referral letter template with consent section); or the patient could provide consent when admitted to the radiology practice, as part of the practice's admission form. It is always best to have the patient's consent in writing, but verbal consent can be sufficient or in some cases, consent may be implied. Health practitioners in Australia are subject to the same consent requirements for any information sharing as part of the treatment and care provided to patients, whether they share information verbally, in writing or via electronic means, including Clinivid. Where a health practitioner is unsure whether they have obtained proper patient consent for the transmission of patient information on Clinivid, they have the option to create and share information in a de-identified manner.
What type of patient information is transmitted via Clinivid?
Clinivid is designed to allow clinicians to share any relevant information to help treat and care for patients, including as text, image or video. A clinician might share de-identified information about a patient with colleagues, for example to get a second opinion, or they may select to identify the patient through their name and DoB or Case number, with the patient's consent. Clinivid does not require any identifiable patient information, but provides clinicians with the option. Importantly, any personal information that is shared via Clinivid is only accessible to the clinicians involved in that specific case conversation.
How can patients access their information?
Any patient related information transmitted via Clinivid is controlled by the clinicians involved in the case. That means, that patients who request access to their personal or health information, should direct their request to the relevant clinician involved in their care. Where a patient applies for access directly to Clinivid, the request should be send to privacy@clinivid.com.au. Clinivid will respond to all requests according to its obligations under relevant privacy legislation. Clinivid may refer the patient's request to the relevant clinician to facilitate direct access to the information to the patient.
Is Clinivid considered a health record?
Clinicians have the professional obligation to keep proper health records. Information transmitted via the Clinivid platform may be considered to be relevant to be included in a patient's health record. It is each clinician's own responsibility to ensure that they keep a proper records of relevant information relating to a patient's treatment and care. Clinivid stores information about users and cases only as long as it is required for its functions and ensures access to this information for users with an active account. That means for example that where all clinicians involved in a particular case no longer have an active account, the conversations will be deleted from the Clinivid system. Clinicians using Clinivid should ensure appropriate record keeping and if using a non-enterprise version, must not rely on Clinivid to fulfill their record-keeping obligations. On request, Clinivid can be integrated with local patient record systems. Please inquire at info@clinivid.com.au about the options available.
What type of personal information about patients may be shared via Clinivid?
In general, clinicians can decide whether they wish to share clinical information in a de-identified or identified manner. Where they decide to share patient information, it must be relevant, not excessive, accurate and not intrusive. In general, patient information shared may include: the patient's name; date of birth, a reference number, results, or imaging. Clinivid does not restrict the type of information clinicians who are involved in the treatment and care of a patient can share. Importantly, any patient information is fully controlled by and only accessible to the clinicians involved in a Clinivid case.
Still Have Questions?
Send us a message to support@clinivid.com.au and we'll get right back to you.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information provided on this website is of general nature and is not intended to provide any medico-legal advice. Please seek legal advice with any questions applicable to your individual circumstances.