Significant milestone in the digital transformation of the aged care sector

The Australian Digital Health Agency and the Department of Health and Aged Care have released the first Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards, a set of recommended minimum software requirements for clinical information systems and electronic medication management systems used in residential aged care homes.

Sam Peascod, Assistant Secretary, Digital and Service Design at the Department of Health and Aged Care, said these standards represent a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the aged care sector.

“These standards are critical to support the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations, which called for the mandatory use of digital care management systems that are interoperable with My Health Record,” Mr Peascod said.

The Agency's Branch Manager Connected Care Ryan Mavin said the ACCIS Standards aim to improve the safety and quality of healthcare for older Australians by transforming how health information is shared across the aged care sector and with other healthcare providers. 

"The ACCIS Standards provide a clear and consistent direction for software developers and aged care providers on how to design and implement clinical information systems that meet the needs and expectations of residents, their families and care teams, and ensure they will connect seamlessly with all national digital health infrastructure," Mr Mavin said.

“Whether is it sharing information with a hospital, general practice or pharmacy, these standards will enhance the continuity and coordination of care for older Australians, especially during transitions of care."

Emma Hossack, the CEO of the Medical Software Industry Association and member of the National Aged Care Advisory Council, said the ACCIS Standards were a result of the strong collaboration with the software industry.

"The software industry has worked closely with the Agency, the Department and the aged care sector to develop the ACCIS Standards. Clear, robust standards for safety are key to keeping our older Australians safe, and the system sustainable. The industry is committed to helping the sector implement the standards, to ensure the technology they use is fit for purpose, user-friendly, secure and reliable," Ms Hossack said.

Dr George Margelis, Chief Technology Advisor at the Aged Care and Community Care Providers Association said the ACCIS Standards would support the much-needed adoption of digital technologies in the aged care sector.

"The ACCIS Standards will also support the sector to leverage the benefits of digital health innovations, such as telehealth, remote monitoring and data analytics, which can improve the quality and efficiency of care delivery and empower older Australians to have more control over their health and wellbeing," Dr Margelis said.

The Agency will provide guidance and resources to assist the aged care sector and software developers to implement the ACCIS Standards and to prepare for the future integration with My Health Record and other national digital health infrastructure.

The ACCIS Standards and related technical standards are available on the Agency's website.

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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 coordinates work that is already happening between governments, healthcare providers, consumers, innovators and the technology industry.

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