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The Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) is spearheading an initiative aimed at bolstering the adoption of digital health tools within the allied health sector through the launch of the Allied Health Industry Offer. This initiative specifically targets vendors of clinical information systems (CIS) and mobile CIS software, encouraging them to develop products that align with national health infrastructure standards. By enhancing the capability of these systems to connect with platforms such as My Health Record and electronic prescribing services, the Agency aims to foster a more integrated and efficient healthcare environment across Australia.
The importance of this integration was underscored in the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, which highlighted the need for allied healthcare teams to have seamless access to and input into My Health Record. The report emphasised that enabling these teams to engage with essential health information will significantly enhance clinical decision-making processes at the point of care, thereby improving patient outcomes across the country.
The CEO of the Agency elaborated on the strategic objectives of the initiative, stating that one of the primary goals is to improve information sharing across allied health, primary health, and aged care sectors. This, she noted, is crucial for supporting multidisciplinary care and ensuring that healthcare providers can collaborate more effectively. The CEO reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to continuously advancing real-time access to health information. Such improvements are expected to reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus more on delivering quality care and achieving better health outcomes for Australian patients.
The initiative recognises the vast and diverse role that allied health professionals play in the healthcare system. These professionals, who include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, and many others, are integral to the delivery of care across a wide spectrum of health services. The Agency’s commitment to working closely with software vendors is aimed at enhancing existing clinical software, with the ultimate goal of improving safety, quality, and productivity throughout the allied health sector.
The release of this tender is a significant step forward in the digital transformation of Australia’s healthcare system. By inviting CIS and mobile CIS software vendors to integrate their products with national infrastructure, the Agency is paving the way for more seamless and effective digital health solutions. This initiative not only supports the adoption of cutting-edge technology but also aligns with broader national efforts to modernise the healthcare system and make it more accessible to all Australians.
To ensure that stakeholders are well-informed about the opportunities presented by this tender, the Agency will host a virtual industry briefing on 9 September 2024. This event will provide key details related to the request for tender, and interested parties are encouraged to register in advance. The Agency has also made provisions for those unable to attend, as the entire briefing will be recorded and made available on the Agency’s website on 10 September.
The drive towards digital innovation within healthcare is becoming increasingly vital, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dramatically accelerated the relevance and importance of digital health solutions. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of digital connectivity in ensuring a modern, accessible healthcare system cannot be overstated. The Agency’s efforts in promoting digital health tools are aimed at building a robust health infrastructure that is safe, easy to use, and enables the responsible sharing of information.
