AusHealthIT Poll Number 700– Results – 28 May, 2023.

 Here are the results of the poll.

What Do You Think Of The Amount Of Money Allocated To The ADHA In The Recent Federal Budget? (About 300 Million Dollars)

Too Much                                                           22 (96%)

About Right                                                           1 (4%)

Not Enough                                                            0 (0%) 

Have No Idea                                                         0 (0%)

Votes: 23

A pretty clear outcome suggesting that most readers think we are spending too much on the ADHA

Any insights on the poll are welcome, as a comment, as usual!

A very poor umber of votes. but a pretty clear outcome. 

0 of 23 who answered the poll admitted to not being sure about the answer to the question!

Again, many, many thanks to all those who voted! 

David.

Chat-GPT 4 Has An Interesting Take On Digital Health Progress In Australia

GPT Q and A!  - 27/05/2023

Q. How Is The Discipline Of Digital Health Progressing In Australia?

A. The discipline of Digital Health in Australia is experiencing significant progress and growth. Digital health refers to the use of digital technologies, such as electronic health records, telehealth, health apps, and wearable devices, to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and population health management.

Australia has been actively embracing digital health initiatives and has made substantial investments in this field. The Australian government has implemented various programs and policies to promote the adoption and integration of digital health technologies across the healthcare system. One notable initiative is the My Health Record system, which aims to create a shared electronic health record for all Australians, enabling better coordination of care and access to health information.

In addition to government initiatives, there is a growing ecosystem of digital health startups, research institutions, and industry collaborations in Australia. These entities are driving innovation in areas such as telehealth services, remote patient monitoring, health data analytics, and health informatics.

Australian healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and primary care practices, are increasingly adopting digital health solutions to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and enable better communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Telehealth services, in particular, have seen significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing patients to access healthcare remotely and reducing barriers to care, such as geographical distance.

Furthermore, research and academic institutions in Australia are actively engaged in digital health research, exploring areas such as artificial intelligence in healthcare, data privacy and security, health data analytics, and patient-centered digital interventions.

Overall, the discipline of Digital Health in Australia is progressing rapidly, driven by government support, industry innovation, and research advancements. The adoption and integration of digital health technologies continue to transform the healthcare landscape, offering opportunities to improve healthcare outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and address healthcare challenges.

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Good to know! What do you think?

David.

AusHealthIT Poll Number 669– Results – 21st May, 2023.

Here are the results of the poll.

Do You Agree With e-Prescribing For Patients Where The Is No Direct Contact (Direct, Voice or Video) With The Clinician?

Yes                                                              6 (3%)

No                                                           207(63%)

I Have No Idea                                           1 (6%)

Votes: 214

A pretty clear outcome suggesting that most readers think actual contact with the patient is important!

Any insights on the poll are welcome, as a comment, as usual!

A very good number of votes. and a pretty clear outcome. 

1 of 214 who answered the poll admitted to not being sure about the answer to the question!

Again, many, many thanks to all those who voted! 

David.

It Is Clear We Are Seeing More Interest In AI And Digital Health Recently.

 I thought it was worth letting people know about this:

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"AIDH is working with the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare on developing a national policy agenda for AI in healthcare.

It is our intention that the policy agenda be backed by evidence and high-level expertise so that it can assist all levels of government, industry and civil society to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of this transformational technology.

Monday's Fellow Lounge is the first stop in our national consultation and research work which will feed into the preparation of a draft policy document. As Fellows of AIDH you are a key stakeholder group and we value your input. Dr David Hansen FAIDH, CEO Australian E-Health Research Centre CSIRO will facilitate the conversation and we will be joined by Prof Enrico Coiera FAIDH, founder AAAiH and Prof Karin Verspoor FAIDH, Victoria AAAiH Lead. 

Please register to join the session here. 

Thanks,
Kristal

___________________________________

Kristal Kitto

Community Engagement Director
Australasian Institute of Digital Health
m: +61 413 110 822 | e: kristal@digitalhealth.org.au | w: www.digitalhealth.org.au"

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While this meeting may not be accessible to all the note provides useful contacts and a pointer as to where to look for further activity and information,

It seems to me that with the new AI models we may be on some sort of new threshold as to what is possible and what is being done and that awareness of what is going on will be ever more vital!

I really suspect it is hard to underestimate the impact of tools like ChatGPT - 4 may have in coming months. (not years!)

Comments welcome on other perspectives!

David 

Note: I plan to very gradually post more info here as I recover from my various maladies. Any tips on information to be shared here welcome!!!!

There Is One Serious Question That Flows From New Budget Funding!

 The question is just what, in some detail, is that new 0.5 Billion Dollars to be spent on and what will be the outcomes from the spend. It is very easy to see another 1/2 Billion $ wasted if there is not a clear plan!

One might also ask Is the ADHA worth 0.3 Billion a year!

Any suggestions welcome!

David.

What Are The Thoughts On The 2023-24 Budget In Digital Health?

Here is a summary of the key figures:

Budget 2023–24: Albanese Government to invest "historic" $6.1 billion to strengthen Medicare

The Albanese Government has delivered its second Budget, including $6.1 billion to boost the beleaguered health system and "lay the foundations for significant reforms". 

Within the significant funding injection is $951.2 million towards a "digital health package [that] will improve digital systems to build a more efficient, connected and collaborative healthcare system. The Australian Digital Health Agency will be an ongoing entity and will upgrade and modernise My Health Record to make it easier for patients and providers to use and support the secure, safe and efficient sharing of information. The Intergovernmental Agreement on National Digital Health will be renewed for 4 years to progress the secure, safe and efficient sharing of information across the health system."

Digital health related investments include:

• $429 million over 2 years in a modernised My Health Record to drive a digitally connected healthcare system for all Australians
• $325.7 million over 4 years towards securing the Australian Digital Health Agency to lead digital enablement of healthcare
• $126.8 million over 4 years for the Intergovernmental Agreement on National Digital Health
• $111.8 million over 4 years towards strengthening electronic prescribing and targeted digital medicines enhancements
• $69.7 million over 4 years towards "health delivery modernisation: enabling reform"
• $40 million over 4 years for Australia’s first National Clinical Quality Registry Program
• $29.8 million over four years as an initial investment to reduce fraud, including a taskforce within the Department of Health and Aged Care to oversee longer-term improvements to Medicare integrity.
• $8.7 million in 2023–24 for digital mental health services
• $5.9 million towards MyMedicare to support longer GP telehealth consultations.

In overall summary:

$951.2 million for digital health. The Australian Digital Health Agency will
upgrade and modernise My Health Record, making it easier for patients and
providers to use and support the secure, safe and efficient sharing of
information. This will improve health outcomes for patients and reduce
duplication in the system. (evidence????)

This will take the investment so far to over $3 Billion!

The details of what this actually means is not disclosed that I can find! Any clues anyone?

David

This Is The Day We Learn If The Federal Health Minister Has A Clue!!

Just have a look and see how much is being spent on the myHR in the new fiscal year. The more the less clues they have!

David.

The Prodigal Returns!

I have to apologise to readers for my sudden absence but illness in the form of a fractured hip struck me on March 4 - fell over - and I have been keyboard deprived up until very recently - yesterday.

I plan to gradually start posting again as I fully recover but it will not be quick.

Many thanks to all who have expressed concern as to my fate!

Warm regards to all!

David.