The Australian Digital Health Agency is collaborating with universities to incorporate digital health education into various degree programs. This initiative, spearheaded by ADHA CEO Amanda Cattermole, aims to establish a consistent approach to digital health education at a national level. The goal is to better equip the healthcare workforce to meet the evolving needs of Australians in diverse healthcare settings.
The Australian Council of Senior Academic Leaders in Digital Health (ACSALDH), a coalition of 37 universities under the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC), will lead this project. They will form a working group to evaluate existing digital health education frameworks and course content. Subsequently, they will develop standardized core topics to be integrated into undergraduate health degrees and existing curricula. Additionally, the council will create and pilot a trainers’ kit for university educators currently teaching digital health.
The significance of enhancing the digital competencies and capabilities of the Australian health workforce cannot be overstated. With a growing number of Australians over 65 living with chronic conditions and the escalating costs of traditional healthcare, there is a pressing need to transform the healthcare system. Clair Sullivan, professor and director of the Queensland Digital Health Centre at the University of Queensland, emphasizes the potential of digital health technologies in addressing these challenges.
Dr. Lee Woods from the University of Queensland underscores the importance of a uniform approach to digital health education across Australian universities. He stresses the need for responsible and confident use of digital technologies, including AI and virtual care, to ensure patient safety. Dr. Melanie Haines, director of Education and Workforce at DHCRC, reiterates the importance of preparing future healthcare professionals to leverage digital health technologies effectively.
The ADHA envisions that graduates entering the healthcare workforce will possess a solid understanding of digital health systems. This knowledge will enable them to utilize these systems to enhance clinical decision-making and deliver superior patient care. The current project aligns with the National Digital Health Capability Action Plan, a long-term initiative aimed at upskilling healthcare workers in digital health. This plan is part of the broader Digital Health Blueprint, which aims to create a digitally empowered healthcare workforce over the next decade.
In conclusion, the integration of digital health education into university programs is a pivotal step towards ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery. By providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge in digital health, Australia is poised to enhance healthcare outcomes and meet the challenges of the future.
