In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the ability to share health information securely, accurately and instantly is more crucial than ever. As Australia’s healthcare sector embraces digital transformation, the adoption of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) stands at the centre of this movement. FHIR training is vital because it equips healthcare professionals, developers and administrators with the expertise needed to support seamless data exchange across systems, ultimately improving patient care, efficiency and innovation nationwide.
Recognising this and drawing directly on feedback from previous program participants, the Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) has launched a series of updated digital health training courses designed to modernise the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and empower its workforce.
In partnership with HL7® Australia, the Agency has already delivered FHIR training to more than 1,000 participants.
Now, 4 refreshed training courses are available, aiming to accelerate Australia’s transition to a more connected healthcare ecosystem. As the sector prepares for the full transition of My Health Record to FHIR, these courses provide essential skills for delivering better connected care and supporting Australia’s continued journey towards seamless interoperability in healthcare.
“Australia’s healthcare workforce is demonstrating remarkable leadership in digital transformation,” Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole PSM said.
“Their willingness to be at the forefront of FHIR training means we are not just modernising infrastructure - we’re building capacity, confidence and momentum for lasting, system-wide improvement.
“By equipping the digital health workforce with the latest FHIR skills and knowledge, we lay the foundation for better care for all Australians.”
The Agency is continuing to fully fund these courses for members of the Australian healthcare community, to equip clinical, technical and administrative professionals with the skills needed to harness the power of instant data exchange.
While the courses have already helped to significantly advance digital health capability across Australia, Agency Chief Digital Officer Peter O’Halloran described the new format as a “game-changer”, noting that “the combination of self-paced online learning and expert-led practical group sessions makes it easier for busy professionals to upskill without compromising quality”.
Developed and delivered in collaboration with HL7 Australia, the following updated courses introduce the Australian healthcare community to FHIR and support its implementation:
- FHIR fundamentals for Australian developers: Practical skills for developers, informaticians and implementers
- Introduction to FHIR for project managers: Guidance on implementing FHIR in the Australian context
- Opportunities for Australia with SMART on FHIR apps: Benefits, strategies and case studies for leaders and clinicians
- Making the switch from HL7 V2 to HL7 FHIR: Integration solutions and comparative analysis for HL7 V2 organisations.
Chair of HL7 Australia, David Rowlands, praised the partnership and the ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, standards-based training.
“HL7 Australia welcomes the Australian Digital Health Agency’s collaborative approach to modernising the My Health Record system using HL7 FHIR,” Mr Rowlands said.
“We encourage healthcare organisations and developers to leverage the available FHIR training opportunities, developed by the nation’s most experienced practitioners and delivered by HL7 Australia-accredited experts, as FHIR expertise will be essential for Australia’s evolving digital health ecosystem.”
HL7 Product Director Grahame Grieve said the response to the training opportunities underscores the growing significance of FHIR in healthcare data management and the critical need for a skilled workforce to support its adoption.
“FHIR is becoming more important for data exchange in health, and the Agency’s adoption of FHIR-based solutions is a natural outcome,” Mr Grieve said.
“Our ability to make this work will depend most of all on having a workforce that knows FHIR, so I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Further training opportunities will continue to roll out from November 2025, with new courses to be introduced regularly. To enrol or learn more, visit the Australian Digital Health Agency website.
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Media contact
Email: media@digitalhealth.gov.au
What is FHIR®?
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) is an international standard established by HL7® for the electronic exchange of healthcare information. FHIR facilitates interoperability among disparate health systems by organising health data into modular components known as 'resources', which can be readily accessed, modified and shared via web technologies. Using widely adopted internet protocols, FHIR enhances the integration of health data across various platforms, thereby supporting both clinical and administrative functions. Its design prioritises flexibility and scalability, positioning FHIR as a fundamental tool for the modernisation of healthcare infrastructure and the enhancement of health outcomes for both providers and consumers.
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.
For further information: www.digitalhealth.gov.au.
The Australian Digital Health Agency is jointly funded by the Australian Government and all state and territory governments.
About Health Level Seven®
Health Level Seven International® (HL7) was founded in 1987 and is a not-for-profit, accredited standards-developing organisation providing a framework and standards for exchanging, integrating, sharing and retrieving electronic health information.
HL7 Australia began in 1998 as the Standards Australia IT-14 Health Informatics Committee. In May 2002, it was first incorporated independently as the HL7 Australasia User Group. In March 2010, the name changed to HL7 Australia and by December 2019 became a limited company.