New national framework sets rules for digital health as online care expands

Australia has taken a step toward a safer and more connected digital health system with the release of the National Framework for Digital Health Standards, a blueprint designed to bring consistency, clinical safety and interoperability to the technologies that now underpin modern healthcare.

Launched at the Digital Health Festival, the framework aims to align standards across governments, health services and industry as digital adoption accelerates nationwide.

The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) said the framework will help end the longstanding problem of fragmented standards developed in isolation.

“Different organisations have developed and applied standards in isolation, with limited coordination to fit those pieces together across the system,” ADHA chief Amanda Cattermole said.

“This framework aligns governance, standards development and implementation across the entire health ecosystem.”

ADHA said the need for national alignment is growing rapidly as more clinical information flows into My Health Record ahead of the 1 July mandate. Over the past year, views of pathology reports have risen by 112 percent and diagnostic imaging views by 72 percent.

ADHA chief digital officer Peter O’Halloran said this surge highlights the importance of scalable, digital infrastructure.

“Conformance built on consistent standards gives Australians confidence that digital health systems can work together as intended, and that the information healthcare providers rely on is timely, accurate, secure and clinically safe,” he said.

“The adoption of globally consistent clinical terminology is a key foundation for the safe and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.”

To support adoption, ADHA has established a Standards Academy, offering free training for clinicians, developers, policymakers and industry leaders.

Older Australians urged to share their experiences

The shift to digital care is also prompting new research into how older Australians navigate online systems. Federation University has launched a national survey inviting adults aged 45 and over to share their experiences with booking appointments, accessing test results and using telehealth.

PhD candidate Rachel Sinanan said digital systems offer convenience for many people but can also create significant challenges, particularly for those with lower confidence using technology.

“Healthcare is rapidly going digital. If people cannot confidently use these systems, it can affect their ability to get care, understand health information and make decisions about their wellbeing,” she said.

The study focuses on digital health literacy, which includes the ability to find, understand and evaluate online health information. Researchers say these skills are increasingly essential for managing long‑term conditions, staying connected to healthcare providers and maintaining independence.

Ms Sinanan said adults aged 45 and over are a critical group because they are being asked to use digital systems more often while also being more likely to experience uncertainty, limited access or difficulty knowing which information to trust.

“There is an overwhelming amount of health information online. Without the right support, people risk being left behind, especially those who are already more vulnerable because of location, isolation or health issues,” she said.

“As healthcare continues to move online, everyone deserves the skills and confidence to access it.”

The findings will inform the development of a practical digital health literacy training program designed with, and for, older Australians.

Access the survey here.