Empowering Australians through digital health: The next National Digital Health Strategy

Federal, state and territory governments have agreed to a 5-year plan that puts Australians in the driving seat as they manage and improve their personal health and wellbeing through advances in digital technology.

Launched today, Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy 2023-2028 and accompanying Strategy Delivery Roadmap provide a clear path to an inclusive, sustainable and healthier future for all Australians.

Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Ms Amanda Cattermole PSM said the Strategy and Delivery Roadmap were the result of a productive collaboration between federal, state and territory governments and shaped through extensive consultations with consumers, carers, healthcare providers, research organisations and technology innovators.

"In an age of precision medicine, characterised by healthcare innovations like wearable technology and AI-driven genomic research, we are witnessing a paradigm shift towards personalised and preventative healthcare. The National Digital Health Strategy is essential to support this shift while fostering a connected, secure, inclusive and ethical healthcare system, backed by robust legislation," Ms Cattermole said.

"The Strategy captures areas of reform that require a nationally co-coordinated effort across all jurisdictions to drive transformation in digital health.

"The powerful partnerships behind this Strategy and Roadmap will ensure that no matter what corner of the country they call home, Australians can reap the benefits of digital healthcare that is tailored to their unique circumstances."

Agency Chief Clinical Advisor Dr Steve Hambleton said advances in technology are already improving health outcomes and reducing waste. Clinical benefit and consumer engagement can only get better as programs such as sharing diagnostic tests to My Health Record by default roll out.

"Immediate access to critical diagnostic information wherever requested is a quantum leap forward in supporting clinicians to make the best decisions for the patient.

"Digital tools will never replace doctors but doctors who use digital tools will likely replace doctors who don't," Dr Hambleton said.

The National Digital Health Strategy 2023-2028 sets out to achieve four clear outcomes for digital health in Australia:

• Digitally enabled: Health services are connected, safe, secure and sustainable.
• Person-centred: Australians are empowered to look after their health and wellbeing, with the right information and tools.
• Inclusive: Equitable access to health services, when and where they are needed.
• Data-driven: Readily available data informs decision making at the individual, community and national level, contributing to a sustainable health system.

Download the National Digital Health Strategy 2023-2028 and Strategy Delivery Roadmap.

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Download the media release (PDF, 197.96 KB)

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About the Australian Digital Health Agency

When it comes to improving the health of all Australians, the role of digital innovation and connection is a vital part of a modern, accessible healthcare system. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, digital health has seen exponential growth in relevance and importance, making it more pertinent than ever for all Australians and healthcare providers.

Better patient healthcare and health outcomes are possible when you have a health infrastructure that can be safely accessed, easily used and responsibly shared.

To achieve this, the National Digital Health Strategy is establishing the foundations for a sustainable health system that constantly improves. It underpins and guides work that is already happening between governments, healthcare providers, consumers, innovators and the technology industry.

For further information: www.digitalhealth.gov.au.

The Australian Digital Health Agency is jointly funded by the Australian Government and all state and territory governments.