THE Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have released a national plan to help the allied health workforce share key health information between themselves, their patients and multidisciplinary care partners, enabling more connected care.
Supported by Allied Health Professions Australia, the National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan sets out a coordinated pathway to uplift digital capability across the nation's allied health workforce - the largest workforce in primary care.
Designed with patient care and outcomes at its centre, ADHA CEO Amanda Cattermole said the plan is a call to action, supporting allied health professionals to embrace the digital tools and services that are becoming available to them as part of the shift towards a more digitally connected, collaborative and data-driven system.
"In collaboration with peak bodies and industry, government is providing the tools to enable the sector to transform their way of providing care," Cattermole said.
"Empowering professionals with training and support, and integration with tools like My Health Record and Provider Connect Australia, will strengthen multidisciplinary care and enable a more sustainable, integrated health system that delivers better outcomes for all Australians."
Chief Allied Health Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said that allied health professionals work in tandem with other health and care providers but experience delays in receiving key health information for their patients.
"This plan will make a real difference for Australians, particularly those living with complex or chronic health conditions," Hobson-Powell said.
"By improving the way health information is shared and accessed, allied health professionals can provide more timely, coordinated and personalised care."
The plan was developed in consultation with over 220 allied health professionals, 60 peak bodies, consumers, software vendors and government stakeholders.
AHDA Chief Program Officer Paul Creech has urged allied health professionals to access tailored assistance and practical guidance to register and connect to digital health tools like My Health Record and Provider Connect Australia.
"Allied health professionals are essential to delivering integrated, joined-up care for all Australians, enabled through digital technology, Creech said.
"The National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan sets the path to deliver on this vision," he concluded.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 05 Dec 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 05 Dec 25