The Australian Digital Health Agency and Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) signed a memorandum of understanding end-November 2017 to ensure that digital health solutions developed in Australia are consumer-centric.
« [This] unique partnership (…) will ensure health consumers have a real voice in developing Australia’s digital health capability, » said Leanne Wells, CHF CEO (source: Technologydecisions.com.au). « [This] MoU supports the national effort to promote increased use of the My Health Record system by consumers and carers. »
To encourage patient engagement in the healthcare system
The purpose of this alliance will also be to set up a secure digital health system and encourage digitally enabled healthcare innovation to advance the efficiency, quality and delivery of healthcare in Australia in order to improve health outcomes of consumers.
The document states that both parties expect to further their purpose through the encouragement and support of:
- full engagement, participation and empowerment of consumers within the healthcare system;
- informed, coordinated care decisions based on sharing relevant information and data;
- improved health literacy, experiences of care and health outcomes achieved through better access to, and control over, a consumer’s consolidated healthcare information;
- innovation in digital health technologies to deliver more efficient and effective healthcare services.
To promote awareness of the benefits of a secure digitally enabled healthcare future
- The Australian Digital Health Agency will ensure the educational approach to achieve the purpose is adaptive and sustainable. It will also provide overview and supporting materials for consumers and community organizations.
- The CHF will have to lead and support communications to members of the CHF, CHF network, Primary Health Network and the wider community sector and also « to support and encourage the meaningful uptake of the My Health Record system by consumers and community organizations ». It will also collaborate with the Agency on educational resources, collateral, events and activities, « to promote awareness of the benefits of a secure digitally enabled healthcare future as well as the benefits to be realized from [MyHR] where appropriate ».
« My Health Record will significantly transform the health system »
Tim Kelsey, CEO of the Digital Health Agency, said the agency’s ongoing commitment to consumer and community partnerships is critical to helping improve health outcomes for all Australians.
« With the support of CHF and our other stakeholders, My Health Record will significantly transform the health system, » he added. « It will improve efficiency, quality and delivery of health care [in the country]. »