Professional Experience Placement

1. Health information that is available whenever and wherever it is needed

2. Health information that can be exchanged securely

3. High-quality data with a commonly understood meaning that can be used with confidence

4.Better availability and access to prescriptions and medicines information

 5. Digitally enabled models of care that improve accessibility, quality, safety and efficiency

6. A workforce confidently using digital health technologies to deliver health and care

7. A thriving digital health industry delivering world-class innovation.

I would argue that before we can adequately plan, develop and implement many of the strategies, there is an urgent need to enable health professionals to become digitally literate. Healthcare is supported by technology in administrative, clinical, educational and research capacities. Health professionals in these areas do not know what they do not know. It is difficult to plan, develop or implement new workflows, equipment, software or hardware if the workforce is not prepared or understanding of the outcomes envisaged. The workforce needs to be included in consultation, and they need to know what they need to know prior to decision-making that involves or impacts them. Similarly the workforce is being asked to promote digital health records and collection of data. The health profession workforce need to understand how the collection of this data can be of benefit to individuals, organisations and systems.  Health professionals need to maintain their integrity and so they need to be abreast of the privacy, security and confidentiality issues that surround the use of any technology. Without the trust and support of the health workforce many of the other strategies mentioned cannot reach their full potential. We all want the best healthcare delivered efficiently, effectively to the right person, at the right time and place. This strategy has the potential to meet many of the needs currently lacking in the burgeoning technological world of healthcare.  However, it will require significant funding, a consistent approach with evaluation embedded to ensure that health professionals at a National level receive appropriate training to enable them to become a partner in delivery of this ambitious project. Investing in the health workforce will enable the best chance of delivery of competent evidence-based care. Student health professionals are the next generation of healthcare providers.  They need to learn digital professionalism as part of their professional identity development.  This behaviour needs to occur early in the curriculum prior to undertaking work integrated learning.  Health professionals who supervise students need to be able to confidently model digital professionalism to students, consumers and peers. I urge you to read the Consultation Draft 1 and provide feedback to your organisation or professional body to ensure our collective voice is heard. You have until 6 April to complete the feedback form.  Please join us @PEPCommunity