The Australian Digital Health Agency and the Department of Health and Aged Care have released the first Aged Care Clinical Information System (ACCIS) Standards, outlining minimum software requirements for clinical information and electronic medication management systems in residential aged care homes.
Sam Peascod, Assistant Secretary, Digital and Service Design at the Department of Health and Aged Care, said the release marked a significant milestone in the sector’s digital transformation.
“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.”
Sam Peascod
Principles for the ACCIS Standards
The ACCIS Standards will bring about more efficient, interconnected and coordinated care. To do this, the Standards include the following principles:
- Data is reliable, consistent, computable and contemporary.
- Data can be seamlessly shared between systems, care settings and organisations.
- Data is accessible and transparent and drives improved consumer choice and decision-making.
- Data drives efficient and safe clinical decision-making and positively impacts the end-user experience.
- Data is captured once, retains its original meaning, and can be used securely many times, as appropriate.
Ryan Mavin, Branch Manager of Connected Care at the Agency, highlighted the ACCIS Standards’ role in improving the safety and quality of healthcare for older Australians by enhancing how health information is shared. “The ACCIS Standards provide clear guidance for software developers and aged care providers on designing systems that meet the needs of residents, their families, and care teams, ensuring seamless connection with national digital health infrastructure,” Mavin added.
Emma Hossack, CEO of the Medical Software Industry Association and National Aged Care Advisory Council member, highlighted the collaborative effort with the software industry in developing the standards.
“Clear, robust standards for safety are key to keeping our older Australians safe and the system sustainable,” said Hossack.
Dr George Margelis, Chief Technology Advisor at the Aged Care and Community Care Providers Association, stated that the ACCIS Standards would drive the adoption of digital technologies in the sector.
“These standards will enable the use of digital health innovations, such as telehealth and remote monitoring, to improve care quality and empower older Australians to manage their health and wellbeing,” Margelis added.
The Agency plans to provide guidance and resources to assist the sector and developers in implementing the standards and preparing for integration with My Health Record and other national digital health infrastructure.
The ACCIS Standards and related technical standards are available on the Agency’s website.
