The Australian Digital Health Agency today announced a strategy for better training Australia’s health workforce in digital skills. The National Digital Health Capability Action Plan was developed together the Australasian Institute of Digital Health. To maximize the benefits of digital health for more patients in more settings, ADHA CEO Amanda Cattermole says concerted action is needed across the health sector.
“Workforce strategy development and planning requires consultation, including with professional colleges, universities and educators and employers in the public and private sectors.Coordination of effort is also vital, and the AIDH, with its strong existing knowledge, relationships and independence in this area, is well positioned to take on this role.”
According to the action plan, better digital skills will improve diagnosis, treatment and management of health conditions, reduce clinical risks, improve workflows, patient flows, and information sharing, facilitate out-of-hospital care, and make healthcare more transparent and efficient.
There are three key components of the initiative: national guidelines for digital skills in the sector; digital education; and regulation that requires digital health to be included in regulated health education. Parallel deliveries will take place. Education and regulation will be developed over a three-year period following the completion of the skills framework. The document notes that fragmentation of healthcare systems is a key barrier to developing digital skills.