A fundamental transformation in the way health data is managed is needed if Australia is to meet the health challenges of an ageing population, changing disease patterns and increasingly complex health conditions. This report highlights the inherent dangers in Australia’s isolated and incompatible digital health systems, which lead to delays in patient care and poorer health outcomes. 

In healthcare, digital interoperability enables information – such as patient data, diagnostic results – to be seamlessly transferred between people, organisations and systems. This report identifies the levers that are necessary to achieve digital interoperability in Australia and provides an overview of international best practice of policy tools.

To ensure a health system that is fit-for-purpose for the future – a push toward digital interoperability and connectedness can help overcome information silos, enable more effective use of resources, and accelerate adoption among health practitioners and their patients. However, this potential can only be fully realised if barriers to interoperability, use, integration and adoption can be overcome. 

Medical data today lacks digital interoperability, as most healthcare data is stored in isolated databases, incompatible systems and proprietary software. Beyond national health record systems, the report cites an example of different departments in a hospital using software that is incompatible with other departments. In an extreme example, clinical notes taken in the emergency department must be printed off and physically carried to other departments, including the intensive care unit.