Individual Abstract within a Delegate Designed Symposium Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2019

Digital information is the bedrock of high quality healthcare. The benefits for patients are significant and compelling: hospital admissions avoided, fewer adverse drug events, reduced duplication of tests, better coordination of care for people with chronic and complex conditions, and better-informed treatment decisions. Digital health can help save and improve lives[1].

Safe, Seamless and Secure, Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy, was developed following a national consultation with consumers, clinicians, government, researchers and industry. Throughout the consultation, the Australian community was clear about what it expects from healthcare services, today and in the future. Australians want a health system which puts people first – giving more choice, control and transparency. They want better access to mobile digital health services for the whole community – not just those who are experienced users of new technology. They want their health information to be confidential and secure, protected from cyber criminals and from any unauthorised access[2].

The strategy identified seven strategic priority outcomes to be achieved by 2022:

1. Health information that is available whenever and wherever it is needed;
2. Health information that can be exchanged securely;
3. High-quality data with a commonly understood meaning that can be used with confidence;
4. Better availability and access to prescriptions and medicines information;
5. Digitally-enabled models of care that drive improved accessibility, quality, safety and efficiency;
6. A workforce confidently using digital health technologies to deliver health and care; and
7. A thriving digital health industry delivering world-class innovation.

The symposium will be an opportunity to discuss these priorities in more detail, Australia’s progress against these priorities, and specifically how they relate to cancer care – in particular, how they relate to the Australian Digital Health in Cancer Care Roadmap.

[1] https://conversation.digitalhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/adha-strategy-doc-2ndaug_0_1.pdf

[2] Ibid