Policy and funding model changes are fundamental to digital health success

The implementation of digital health technologies in Australia has been impeded by the absence of clear, uniform, and cross-jurisdictional policy, fragmented governance methods, and financing structures. This has led to a research to adoption lag of around 15-18 years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of telemedicine and other digital health techniques in delivering healthcare services during a global health crisis. To maintain and maximise the usage of these technologies in healthcare, assessment procedures are required to quantify their efficacy and suggest areas for improvement.

My research focuses on utilising computerised clinical decision support systems as a case study to explore the problems and potential in adopting digital health in practise. However, implementing the strategies and recommendations to create meaningful change for health services and patients, will require changes in funding and delivery models for healthcare, as well as strong legislative and political support. Other sectors in Australia such as defence have already achieved high-quality digitisation; healthcare should not be left behind. My work supports the vision of a more resilient, efficient, and equitable healthcare system in Australia, aligning with the global goal of better health for everyone and the World Health Organization’s recommendations for digital health integration into healthcare systems.