One of Australia's largest juvenile justice departments will soon streamline its health services under a single Electronic Medical Record.

Justice Health Victoria is working towards implementing Global Health’s MasterCare Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in the support of clinical workflows across mental health, primary care, and alcohol and other drug services in its centres.

Specifically, MasterCare EMR will be used by Justice Health clinicians to handle clients’ medical assessments and management plans, along with the monitoring and measuring of on-going service activity outcomes.

MasterCare EMR comprises of an EMR and practice management solution with integration to MasterCare Data Warehouse for data analytics and ReferralNet for the secure exchange of clinical documents with external colleagues.

According to a spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Justice Health Victoria had multiple programs in place for its youth justice system, which all needed to be streamlined into one platform.

“This will ensure continuity in the healthcare services provided to young people in custody. Electronic medical records within the adult prison system are [and will continue to be] managed by Intrahealth,” the spokesperson told HITNA.

The initial deployment will see the Department of Justice and Community Safety business unit roll out the Global Health solution for these three service divisions across Melbourne. This includes Malmsbury, Parkville and other community outlets around Melbourne across the youth justice sector.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said the partnership came off the back of the Victorian Government’s $18.72 million investment for additional doctors, nurses and clinical staff to administer medication, as well as for extra allied health services.

[Read more: SA Health to overhaul EPAS | Bass Coast Health integrates clinical and administrative system using MasterCare EMR]

MasterCare EMR Product Manager Kye Cherian said the agreement will run for a minimum term of three years, with two further extension options.

“It’s important to note that our project with Justice Health does not end here. Global Health and Justice Health are committed to continuing the partnership in order to further improve client care and data capture to support the continued improvement of Youth Justice Health services in Victoria,” Cherian said.

Bass Coast Health also most recently equipped its healthcare facility with MasterCare EMR. Following rollout, the solution will be used by its clinicians to govern the assessment and management plans of clients, along with the monitoring and measuring of ongoing outcomes.