Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy ranked number one in global eHealth study

Australia has been ranked as a world leader in a global academic study which highlighted the vision and implementation roadmap of Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy 2023-2028. 

The strategy ranked number one alongside Estonia’s according to Sweden’s Uppsala University which evaluated the eHealth frameworks of 9 countries focusing on vision, objectives, methods of implementation, and follow-up protocols.

The Australian Digital Health Agency's CEO, Amanda Cattermole PSM, said the high ranking underscores Australia’s leadership in developing and implementing a comprehensive, transformational and action-oriented eHealth strategy.

“It is an honour to have the National Digital Health Strategy’s vision of ‘an inclusive, sustainable and healthier future for all Australians through a connected and digitally enabled health system’ acknowledged in this way,” Ms Cattermole said.

"It is testament to the collective insights, engagement and cooperation of Australia’s digital health sector and dedicated stakeholders across federal, state and territory governments.”

The Australian Digital Health Agency’s Chief Program Officer, Paul Creech PSM, said that researchers acknowledged the strategy was comprehensively integrated with broader national health and digitalisation goals. 

“The researchers also acknowledged the strategy’s Delivery Roadmap as having clearly identified objectives, timelines and responsible organisations,” Mr Creech said.

“Progress is already being demonstrated by a range of advances including enhancements to the my health app improving access to and management of key health information for consumers, increased adoption by allied health, connecting the broader care team, and more recently the passage through the parliament of the ‘share by default’ legislation, that will help to ensure vital health information is available for healthcare professionals and Australian healthcare consumers when and where they need it.”

National eHealth strategies: a comparative study of nine OECD health systems | BMC Health Services Research found the National Digital Health Strategy reflected a strong commitment to both innovation and evidence-based practice, ensuring that the implemented solutions are effective and scalable.

Authors also noted key strategic goals included patient involvement, preventive healthcare, telemedicine, information management, standards and consistent terminology use, and data analysis. 

-ENDS-

Download the media release (PDF, 131.98 KB)

For more information on this project, contact:

Australian Digital Health Agency: media@digitalhealth.gov.au

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.