AH&MRC has been funded by the Australian Digital Health Agency to assist the ACCHS in NSW with the knowledge and resources in digital health technologies to be able to provide high-quality healthcare services to the Aboriginal communities. At AH&MRC, we believe that digital health is not merely a technology but an integral part of our organization that helps to fulfill our principle to improve the health of the Aboriginal community and help people live longer.
There are many benefits to using digital health technologies, including:
- Improved efficiency: Digital health technologies can help to improve the efficiency of healthcare by reducing paperwork, improving communication, and making it easier to access care.
- Improved quality: Digital health technologies can help to improve the quality of care by providing clinicians with more information about patients, allowing them to monitor patients remotely, and providing patients with access to educational resources.
- Increased accessibility: Digital health technologies can help to increase the accessibility of healthcare by making it easier for people to get care, regardless of their location or income.
While digital health has many potential benefits, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed, including:
- Security: Security is a major concern with digital health technologies, as patient data is often stored on these devices.
- Interoperability: Different digital health technologies often do not work together, which can make it difficult for patients to share their data with their healthcare providers.
- Digital literacy: Aboriginal people may have lower levels of digital literacy than other Australians, which can make it difficult for them to use digital health technologies.
- Cultural appropriateness: Digital health technologies need to be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal people. This means that they need to be designed in a way that is respectful of Aboriginal culture and values.
- Adoption: There is a need to increase the adoption of digital health technologies by both healthcare providers and patients.
Digital Health encompasses various aspects of digital technologies, and the National Digital Health Strategy stated seven strategic priorities that aim to transform the quality and sustainability of health and care. AH&MRC helps in the implementation of the strategy for the Aboriginal communities in NSW by emphasising the four divisions, and they are –
My Health Record, Electronic Prescription, High-quality data, and Telehealth.
My Health Record
My Health Record (MHR) is a secure online summary of your health information. It is stored in the cloud and can be accessed by you and your healthcare providers. Your record can include information such as your medical history, allergies, medications, and test results.
Read more about the many benefits to having a My Health Record.
Electronic Prescription
An electronic prescription (e-prescription) is a digital version of a paper prescription. It is a secure, electronic document that is transmitted directly from a prescriber to a pharmacy. E-prescriptions can be used to dispense medications for both acute and chronic conditions.
Read more about the many benefits to e-prescriptions here.
Secure Messaging
Secure messaging is a way to send and receive messages that are protected from unauthorized access. This is done by using encryption, which scrambles the message so that it can only be read by the intended recipient. Secure messaging is often used in healthcare, financial services, and other industries where sensitive information is exchanged.
Read more about secure messaging.
Data Quality
Data quality in clinical records refers to the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the information contained in a patient’s medical record. High-quality patient clinical data is essential for improving patient care. By collecting and using this data, healthcare providers can better understand the needs of their patients, identify patients who are at risk for certain diseases or conditions, and develop and test new treatments. High-quality patient clinical data can also be used to improve the quality of care provided to patients, make informed decisions about healthcare policy, and ultimately improve the health of the population.
There are a number of things that can be done to improve data quality, including standardization, education, technology, and auditing. By taking these steps, healthcare organizations can improve the quality of care for their patients and reduce the risk of errors.
Visit ADHA website https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/healthcare-providers/initiatives-and-programs/interoperability-and-data-quality to learn more about data quality.
AH&MRC offer online and in-person training for members who need help with data quality. To schedule a training session for your team, please contact our Digital Health team.
Telehealth
Telehealth refers to video and telephone calls to conduct health consultations, which are available for a range of health services by General Practitioners (GPs), Nurse Practitioners, Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Workers, Mental Health professionals, Allied Health professionals and some medical specialists. Telehealth is a significant strategy that ensures people can continue to access essential health services while reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. It can be used for consultations, intervention, prescriptions, referrals, education, and or supervision.
Call your AMS first and discuss whether you could have a Telehealth consultation or need to come to the clinic in person instead.
For more information read our Telehealth Factsheet for community members: https://www.ahmrc.org.au/the-triumph-of-telehealth/
Clinical Governance in Digital Health
Digital health is rapidly transforming healthcare across Australia. For Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs), digital tools such as My Health Record, electronic prescribing. telehealth, secure messaging and consumer apps can improve access, strengthen continuity of care, and support better health outcomes.
To use these technologies safely and effectively, ACCHSs need a strong clinical governance framework—one that upholds clinical quality, protects cultural integrity, and ensures digital systems are safe, secure and community-aligned.
Read more.
Cybersecurity
Cyber security is essential for every Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS). It protects sensitive health information, builds community trust, and ensures safe, continuous care. Strong cyber security involves both technical safeguards and people-focused, culturally informed practices.
Read more.
Healthcare Identifiers (HI) Service – For Healthcare Providers
The Healthcare Identifiers (HI) Service, operated by Services Australia, provides unique identification numbers to healthcare providers and organisations. These identifiers support safe, accurate, and connected healthcare across digital systems such as My Health Record, electronic prescribing, and secure messaging.
A Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual (HPI-I) is automatically assigned to most AHPRA-registered clinicians. It ensures your digital records, prescriptions, and uploads are correctly attributed to you.
Why it matters
- Improves patient safety by matching the right information to the right provider
- Enables access to and uploads into My Health Record
- Supports secure communication and electronic prescribing
- Strengthens privacy and security protections
How to access your HPI-I
Clinicians can view their identifier via HPOS (Health Professional Online Services) using their PRODA login. Ensure your details are kept up to date in your organisation’s clinical software.
Training and Support
The Australian Digital Health Agency provides a broad range of resources, learning tools, and support channels to help ACCHSs, clinicians, and community members engage confidently with My Health Record and other digital health services.
