Full Breakdown
Advancing Digital Health Capability in Australia's Primary Care Workforce
10/6/2025, 12:11:12 PM
Conference Focus on Digital Health Integration
An upcoming conference organized by the Australasian Institute of Digital Health, titled "Primary Care, Digitally Connected," aims to enhance the digital capabilities of Australia's primary healthcare workforce. The event will address how digital health technologies can be better adopted and supported to align with evolving care models. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the benefits of digital health are fully realized across the healthcare system.
Uneven Digital Capability in Primary Care
The Australian Digital Health Agency's National Digital Health Capability Action Plan highlights the disparities in digital health capabilities within the primary healthcare workforce. While some healthcare professionals have embraced digital tools, many remain at various stages of readiness, with some still relying on traditional, paper-based processes. Dr. Janice Tan, a general practitioner and member of the RACGP Expert Committee – Practice Technology and Management, emphasizes the need for targeted investment in workforce capability to bridge this gap.
Importance of Digital Literacy
Dr. Tan stresses that digital health is not merely about implementing new systems; it also involves ensuring that healthcare professionals are confident and capable in using these technologies. She notes that general practice is at the frontline of healthcare delivery, and to provide safe, efficient, and patient-centered care, general practitioners (GPs) and their teams must possess the necessary digital skills.
Expert Panel Discussions
At the conference, Dr. Tan will join other leaders from primary health organizations to discuss the current state of digital readiness and the actions required to enhance digital literacy in primary care. The panel will explore pain points and necessary steps to support a digitally capable workforce, recognizing that while some practitioners are adept with digital tools, many others are not.
Policy and Funding Mechanisms
The conference program will also cover the role of policy and funding in creating a digitally capable healthcare landscape. Discussions will focus on new models of care that leverage digital health, as well as the emerging risks associated with these advancements. Dr. Weller will address the opportunities and challenges presented by new commissioning models, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing outcomes and fostering collaboration across the healthcare sector.
Conclusion: A Call for System-Wide Action
As demand for smarter, more connected healthcare continues to grow, the need for a coordinated approach to uplift the entire workforce becomes increasingly critical. The conference aims to catalyze discussions on how to effectively support the digital transformation of primary care, ensuring that all healthcare professionals are equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare delivery.
