New minimum standard requirement for IT and data sharing

The Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) and the Department of Health and Aged Care have announced the introduction of new minimum software requirements for clinical information and electronic medication management systems used in Australian aged care facilities.

The Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards aim to improve quality and safety across the sector "by supporting a single source of truth that encourages consistency and compatibility across healthcare sectors."

Sam Peascod, assistant secretary for digital and service design at the Department of Health and Aged Care, said these standards are part of the government's commitment to sector reform.

“These standards are critical to support the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations, which called for the mandatory use of digital care management systems that are interoperable with My Health Record,” Mr Peascod said.

The Agency was introduced under the Turnbull government in 2016 and has been responsible for the implementation of digital health initiatives like My Health Record and electronic prescriptions.

These latest measures are a direct response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission, namely number 67 – "improving data on the interaction between the health and aged care systems" – and number 68, "universal adoption by the aged care sector of digital technology and My Health Record".

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The Department of Health and Aged Care released its Data and Digital Strategy in July with the vision of delivering the "highest quality person-centred care for older people while driving a sustainable and productive care and support economy through data and digital innovation."

The Agency has outlined four quality indicators that aged care providers must meet in order to comply with the new standards:

• Connectivity
  Enabling data sharing across aged care and other health providers via My Health Record, establishing a standard national terminology, ensure accurate and timely information for safe clinical handover
• Clinical care and care support
  Standardisation of electronic medication charts, ensuring all members of a care team can access health records digitally to aid in clinical decision making.
• Information security/patient data
  Ensuring privacy and confidentiality by adhering to Australian privacy principles and the use of industry-standard cyber security controls
• Residents and family
  Provide information sharing channels between residents and authorised representatives for things such as health status, changes to care needs, care planning and general activities. 

Ryan Mavin, executive branch manager of the Agency, said the standards will allow for easier communication and smoother transitions of care.

"The ACCIS Standards provide a clear and consistent direction for software developers and aged care providers on how to design and implement clinical information systems that meet the needs and expectations of residents, their families and care teams, and ensure they will connect seamlessly with all national digital health infrastructure," Mr Mavin said.

“Whether is it sharing information with a hospital, general practice or pharmacy, these standards will enhance the continuity and coordination of care for older Australians, especially during transitions of care."

The Agency has said that support and guidance will be provided to both aged care providers and software developers in order to meet ACCIS Standards.

Emma Hossack, chief of the Medical Software Industry Association and National Aged Care Advisory Council member, said the relationship between aged care providers and software developers will continue to be integral to the success of the standards.

"The software industry has worked closely with the Agency, the Department and the aged care sector to develop the ACCIS Standards. Clear, robust standards for safety are key to keeping our older Australians safe, and the system sustainable. The industry is committed to helping the sector implement the standards, to ensure the technology they use is fit for purpose, user-friendly, secure and reliable," Ms Hossack said.

Read more: Older Australians’ concerns about online security being addressed | Smart applications are fast becoming a vital tool in the provision of aged care

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