Better Data Sharing Set to Improve Patient Care in Australia

Better Data Sharing Set to Improve Patient Care in Australia

21 Apr 2026

The RACGP is working with Sparked to improve how information is shared across the healthcare system. This includes better communication between GPs, hospitals, specialists, and allied health providers.

A big part of this work involves using Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, a standard designed to help health systems exchange data in real time. Once fully in place, it will allow patient information to move quickly and safely between different services.

The project is led by CSIRO along with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Australian Digital Health Agency, and HL7 Australia.

One key development is the Australian Core Data for Interoperability (AUCDI), which helps standardise how patient information is recorded and shared. Another project, AUeReqDI, will improve how pathology tests and imaging requests are sent between providers.

Sparked is also creating a Patient Summary, which will give a clear and standard view of a person’s health information. This will make it easier for doctors to quickly understand a patient’s history and provide safer care.

New systems will also allow information like medications, allergies, and diagnoses to be directly added into patient records without manual typing. This will save time and reduce errors.

Some systems already using these standards include the Australian Immunisation Register and the National Cancer Screening Registry. More tools, like improved hospital discharge summaries and care plans, are being developed.

The RACGP says there is still more work to do, but these changes will help create a more connected and efficient healthcare system for everyone.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
 

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