In this issue, we cover the launch of Health Connect Australia, showcase the amazing artist behind the official NAIDOC Week artwork and highlight some of the challenges faced by people in rural and remote communities. There's news about the latest pilot taking place at Royal Perth Hospital, and a list of free cyber security resources to help protect your organisation, too.
Health Connect Australia
The Australian Digital Health Agency is set to improve access to health information between healthcare participants quickly and securely with the launch of Health Connect Australia and the release of the supporting Strategy, Architecture and Roadmap documents.
Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole PSM said Health Connect Australia would address the evolving needs of Australians and healthcare providers.
“Our goal is to establish national capabilities and standards to facilitate health information sharing across existing and future systems,” Ms Cattermole said.
“This initiative is not a singular product but rather a collection of capabilities designed to transform and better connect the healthcare ecosystem.
“Health Connect Australia builds on the successes of My Health Record and other Agency products and services, laying the groundwork for the future of healthcare in Australia.”
The Health Connect Australia documents comprise:
- Health Connect Australia Strategy – provides an overview of the strategic intent and goals of the program including its architecture and delivery approach.
- Health Connect Australia Architecture – outlines a high-level architecture for Health Connect Australia, designed to enhance national digital health interoperability. It provides a foundational framework to guide consistent solution design across the healthcare ecosystem. Further detail on specific technologies and solution architecture will be provided during each program phase.
- Health Connect Australia Roadmap – provides a high-level indicative representation of the program’s phases, including the key outcomes delivered in each phase. It also highlights the prioritised business themes, dependencies and key considerations for the program.
Read more in the media release.
NAIDOC Week
Switching from the digital to the tangible world, we’re celebrating the artwork 'Ancestral Lines' by Jeremy Morgan Worrall this NAIDOC Week.
‘Each figure in the painting is tied to family lines, like songlines, reflecting what they knew and what they passed on. The first represents lore, hunting and tracking. The second reflects care, weaving and love. The third shows the 2 combined, while the final 2 carry unfinished elements – symbols of knowledge and care in motion. Above them sits the essence of Country – swirling skies and a giant moon over Emmaville. It is by the fire, under these cool skies, where the next generation finds their strength, vision and legacy.’ – Jeremy Morgan Worrall
Did you know Australian healthcare is ranked one of the best in the world? However, rural and remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face unique healthcare challenges. See how digital health can support all Australians in the film below:
Help shape the future of digital health in allied health
In partnership with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and Allied Health Professions Australia, the Agency is developing a phased plan to uplift the digital health capabilities of the allied health sector.
The National Allied Health Digital Uplift consultation paper aims to:
- identify gaps and opportunities in the current digital landscape
- refine the proposed initiatives to ensure they are practical and effective
- shape the supports and resources needed to enable successful implementation.
Your voice matters. This is an opportunity for you to influence how digital tools and systems can better support allied health and improved outcomes for the people they care for.
If you work in or engage with allied health, visit the online Consultation Hub to find out more.
Cyber security
It’s critical that digital health infrastructure remains fit for purpose and cyber resilient, even as changes occur in the cyber threat environment, where both the pace of change and the levels of risk are elevated.
Cyber criminals can exploit weaknesses by targeting system vulnerabilities. Attackers are often driven by the potential for financial gain, with the healthcare sector particularly lucrative due to the potentially sensitive nature of patient data.
Take a look at the resources provided by the Australian Digital Health Agency, and let’s continue to strength our individual and collective cyber posture for a truly resilient healthcare ecosystem.
Digital Health Security Awareness: The Agency offers free cyber security e-learning courses from a range of healthcare settings and disciplines. The Digital Health Security Awareness e-learning course includes 5 modules and examples that relate cyber security concepts to scenarios in healthcare organisations.
Cyber Security Alerts: The Agency actively monitors potential cyber security risks through our dedicated cyber security team. If the team identifies any potential threats, the Agency sends out alerts regarding digital health software vulnerabilities and cyber attack campaigns. Register to receive cyber security alerts.
Cyber Champions Network: If you’re a healthcare provider, join the Digital Health Cyber Champions Network for practical tips to stay ahead of cyber threats and help safeguard your workplace.
There are limited spaces available, so apply now to be a cyber champion and help drive better digital health cyber security outcomes for all Australians.
- 1 pm every second Tuesday, commencing 1 July
- 1 pm every second Thursday, commencing 10 July
Protecting babies from serious disease starts in pregnancy
If your pregnant patients are heading into their third trimester, remind them about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) maternal vaccine. The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program and is recommended between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Get more information provided by the Maternal Vaccinations website, provided by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and safeguard your baby.
Digital prescriptions for inpatients: supporting a national first in medication safety and a step toward a greater digital workflow
A pilot is now underway at Royal Perth Hospital to trial QR-coded electronic prescriptions (eScripts) for inpatient discharges where medications are supplied by the hospital pharmacy. The pilot, featured on 7NEWS Australia, is the first time an Australian public hospital has applied this technology in the inpatient setting, and it positions WA Health at the forefront of digital prescribing within hospitals.
Early signs of success have been observed across multiple roles already. Prescribers are reporting reduced admin and clearer processes, pharmacists are experiencing improved visibility and fewer manual interventions, and nurses are gaining faster access to discharge medications, all supporting better patient flow.
Read more about the pilot and how it is benefiting Western Australians.
Cool Beans Underwear helps improve testicular heat
Queensland medical researcher Saara Jamieson has launched Cool Beans Underwear, a new brand aimed at improving men’s reproductive health by reducing testicular heat.
Studies have shown a strong link between heat stress and male fertility, particularly in lowering sperm quality. Optimal testicular function requires temperatures 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below core body temperature. Even a 1 degree increase can reduce sperm health by up to 14%, according to studies.
The patented design features an elasticated mesh pouch that promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature. This cooling technology supports sperm health, enhances testosterone production and prevents overheating.
Cool Beans is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia and is gaining traction in the men’s health space. The product is now being used for a range of purposes, including improved sports performance as well as care before and after operations.
Section header: Careers with the Agency
If you’re looking for a role that’s professionally and personally rewarding and offers career growth and mentorship, check out the latest jobs at the Australian Digital Health Agency.
See more vacancies on our careers page.
If you’re looking for a role that’s professionally and personally rewarding and offers career growth and mentoring, check out the latest jobs at the Australian Digital Health Agency.
- Asset Manager – applications close 8 July, 11 pm (AEST)
- Branch Support Officer – applications close 9 July, 11 pm (AEST)
- Senior ServiceNow System Administrator – applications close 11 July, 11 pm (AEST)
- Manager Executive and Internal Communications – applications close 13 July, 11 pm (AEST)
- Procurement Business Partner – applications close 13 July, 11 pm (AEST)
- Integrity Project Officer – applications close 20 July, 11 pm (AEST)
- Temporary Employment Register – always open
- APS Section 26 Transfer – Permanent and Temporary – Employment Register – always open
See more vacancies on our careers page.
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