To strengthen clinical oversight and ensure the highest standards of safety in digital health, the Australian Digital Health Agency has established the National Clinical Governance Committee for Digital Health (NCGC-DH).
This new committee is tasked with guiding Australia’s approach to rapidly emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Care, ensuring they are integrated safely into the healthcare system.
A Collaborative Approach to Safety
Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole PSM highlighted that the committee’s goal is to ensure digital health remains clinically safe, effective, and centered on the needs of all Australians. “This committee will play a pivotal role in providing advice to government, shaping policy and practices as digital health technology evolves,” she stated.
The NCGC-DH is composed of a diverse group of experts, including clinicians, consumers, and health technology specialists. According to Dr. Amandeep Hansra, the Committee Chair, the focus is on a “collaborative ecosystem” where clinical safety and quality are the guiding principles.
Three Key Focus Areas:
The committee’s work will be driven by Expert Advisory Groups focusing on these critical pillars:
-
Better and Faster Access: Advising on the safe and efficient sharing of health information through My Health Record.
-
Virtual Care and Telehealth: Ensuring patient safety and quality in the delivery of virtual healthcare services.
-
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enabled Care: Providing guidance on the safe and ethical implementation of AI in clinical settings.
Building a Future-Focused Health System
By focusing on standards and digital health levers, the Agency aims to support the health workforce, reduce administrative burdens, and create a more sustainable, safer healthcare system for the future.
At HelloDR, we remain committed to staying informed about these national digital health advancements to better serve our patients with the highest standards of care.
