New Digital Health Standards Framework Aims to Improve System Integration
21 May 2026
The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) says the National Framework for Digital Health Standards is an important step toward better coordination of health technology systems, which have often worked separately until now.
The framework sets out guidance on standardising clinical terminology, improving workforce training, and supporting the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence and genomics in healthcare.
Health leaders say one of the biggest goals is improving interoperability, meaning different health systems can share and understand information more easily.
The framework was launched at the Digital Health Festival in Melbourne, where experts highlighted growing support for connected systems such as My Health Record.
From 1 July, pathology and diagnostic imaging reports will be shared to My Health Record by default. ADHA says this change is already increasing use, with views of pathology reports rising from 54 million to 114 million in the past year.
Digital health leaders say better data sharing can reduce delays, improve patient care, and ease pressure on GPs by making health information easier to access.
They also noted that consistent national standards are important for safely using artificial intelligence in healthcare in the future.
The framework is designed to support stronger collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and technology companies as Australia moves toward more connected digital health systems.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA); Digital Health Festival launch coverage