Connected Care Digital Health in Australia Review (Richard Royle & David Hansen)
“Connected Care: Digital Health in Australia,” part of the National Interest Series, by Richard Royle and David Hansen, is a timely and valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the future of Australian healthcare. Richard Royle, a key architect of the Australian Digital Health Agency and the My Health Record, and David Hansen, head of digital health research at CSIRO, bring significant expertise to this discussion.
The authors define digital health as “the umbrella term referring to a range of technologies that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and the collecting and sharing of a person’s health information.” The book effectively highlights the urgent need for a unified e-health system in Australia. Ironically, the healthcare sector, which stands to benefit greatly from digital technology, has been slow to adopt it. The potential for improved health outcomes, seamless data sharing among healthcare providers, and the promotion of healthy behaviors through clinician-driven initiatives is substantial.
“Connected Care” provides a historical overview of digital health’s development, noting the early leadership of general practitioners. It also addresses the uneven adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs), particularly in public hospitals, where paper-based clinical notes often persist despite EMR access. The book acknowledges the pivotal 2015 initiative by Dr. Richard Ashby at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, which became a global first in fully implementing EMR, inspiring other institutions. It also candidly discusses past financial setbacks, such as Victoria’s ill-fated Health Smart system, which suffered massive budget overruns.
The evolution of the My Health Record, its expanded capabilities, and the challenges of achieving widespread adoption are also explored. The authors commend the government’s ongoing investment in this platform, aimed at enhancing information sharing and improving patient outcomes. The book further examines the potential of telehealth and remote monitoring, emphasizing their ability to provide real-time data to healthcare professionals. The discussion extends to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics, such as cancer and macular degeneration, while acknowledging the continued necessity of human interaction. The authors’ inclusion of privacy and cybersecurity considerations is particularly relevant, given the increasing prevalence of data breaches. They underscore the importance of collaboration between clinicians and researchers, the adoption of new technologies, and the provision of training and support for both patients and clinicians, including the emergence of digital health literacy courses at universities.
Final Thoughts:
“Connected Care: Digital Health in Australia” offers a compelling exploration of the history and future of digital health in the country. With rapid advancements in AI and quantum computing, the potential for a healthier future is significant. This well-written book provides a comprehensive overview that can be easily read in a few sittings.
Related Posts
Uncanny X-Men #10 (2025) Review →
KIRBYVISION: Jack Kirby, Genius and Pioneer of Comics, Documentary Announced! →
THE LUCKY DEVILS IS ON FIRE, DEBUT ISSUE RUSHED BACK TO PRINT YET AGAIN →
