The Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council (ACIITC) won the Service Transformation category in the 2023 Future of Ageing Awards for their role in promoting technology adoption in aged care.
The Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council (ACIITC) was established in 2007 through collaboration between Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA), now known as the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA). ACIITC’s mission revolves around promoting the benefits of incorporating innovation and technology in aged and community care to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for older Australians and their families. The council engages in advocacy, engagement, and collaboration activities on national and international levels to drive the adoption of technology solutions in the aged care industry.
Why it Came About
ACIITC was formed in response to the lack of awareness and understanding among aged and community care service providers regarding the potential efficiencies and improvements that technology and innovative systems can bring to their operations. The organisation aimed to bridge the gap between technological advancements and their implementation into service delivery.
It identified the need for its establishment through a comprehensive assessment of the aged care industry.
ACIITC seeks to rectify this knowledge gap by educating, advocating, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive the adoption of technology solutions in aged and community care.
How it Works
ACIITC achieves its primary objective through various initiatives and activities, including the annual Innovation and Technology Across Care (ITAC) conference, to be next held on March 26 & 27, research webinars, education sessions, and National Roundtables.
The organisation actively engages with stakeholders such as government entities, research centres, universities, industry associations, and technology vendors. ACIITC collaborates with these stakeholders to promote innovation and technology in aged care, foster strategic partnerships, and conduct research and projects that contribute to knowledge and expertise in the sector. The council monitors and evaluates its activities to ensure effectiveness and financial sustainability, diversifying income streams and exploring membership or subscription models.
Stakeholder Engagement
ACIITC’s stakeholder engagement is comprehensive and includes formal partnerships with entities like the Australian Digital Health Agency, Centre for Health Research, and Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA). The council collaborates with industry associations, universities, government entities, and technology vendors. Regular connections with various organizations, including the National Broadband Network, Google, and healthcare-related bodies, contribute to ACIITC’s extensive network.
Implementation: ACIITC’s objectives involve hosting the annual ITAC conference, research webinars, and education sessions. National Roundtables focusing on technology-specific considerations, service model and workforce reform, and financial considerations provide platforms for collaboration. The organisation actively monitors and evaluates its initiatives to ensure effectiveness and financial sustainability, supported by the Secretariat.
ITAC 2023 audience comprised of aged and community care service providers, researchers, policy advisors, Government officials and technology vendors.
Evidence of Success
ACIITC has demonstrated success through activities such as creating the Aged Care Industry Vendors Association, lobbying for funding allocations and undertaking research projects like the Technology Roadmap, CARE-IT evaluation, and the National Network of Living Labs. Notable collaborations with organisations such as Accenture, Flinders University, and the Australian Digital Health Agency showcase ACIITC’s impact on the industry.
Since its inception in 2007, ACIITC has played a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of innovation and technology in aged and community care. Through advocacy, engagement, and collaboration, the organisation continues to contribute to improving care quality for older Australians and their families.
With diverse activities, partnerships, and research initiatives, ACIITC remains at the forefront of driving positive change in the aged care industry.
