Interoperability
Interoperability is a strategic priority of Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy and relies on consistently implemented standards. This strategy is the basis for the principles and guidance provided to software developers and implementers to encourage the development of digital solutions that are interoperable and able to engage with Australia’s digital health ecosystem.
The Connecting Australian Healthcare - National Healthcare Interoperability Plan outlines the current state of interoperability in Australia’s healthcare system, identifies key actions for a more integrated healthcare system, and sets the direction for a nationally coordinated future state that builds on existing initiatives and paves the way for future innovations.
Person-centred and multidisciplinary models of care are supported by access to robust and reliable health information. Interoperability across the health system improves coordination and continuity of care to improve the safety and quality of care decisions. It also provides organisational and public health benefits through improved access to data that informs business decisions and public health policy.
As interoperability and data quality matures, a growing evidence base will support the health technology sector to develop solutions tailored to contemporary clinical workflows and service delivery.
Digital Health Standards
The health technology sector is key to ensuring other healthcare stakeholders have access to the necessary systems, services and information to safely deliver improved health outcomes. A key challenge is to maintain relevance and compatibility as new standards are created and existing ones evolve. Agreed-upon digital health standards, specifications, and terminology that are technology agnostic are vital for the seamless exchange and understanding of health information. Standards provide a consistent framework for the industry to guide the development of solutions that support consumers to receive equitable outcomes and experience of care.
Digital Health Standards ensure health data is safely stored, transferred, and meaningfully interpreted by providers and individuals regardless of which industry software is used.
By joining people together through a connected network of systems, consumers are empowered through greater choice, equitable access to services and the ability to partner in their own lifelong healthcare journey.
For more information about Digital Health Standards, please refer to this page: Digital Health Standards