Context and Strategic Direction

The consistent implementation of health informatics standards is critical to achieving an information technology enabled health sector within Australia. The structure of the health system in Australia is diverse and dynamic, which does not readily support standards implementation. To achieve the e-health goals for Australia it is necessary to address the current challenges associated with standards implementation.

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to those in the health sector responsible for improving care delivery through information technology by identifying some of the challenges to health informatics standards implementation; defining adoption, uptake and implementation; and clarifying the strategies and activities that will assist in resolving the challenges. A framework to support successful standards implementation is also described.

This document completes the development of NEHTA's National E-Health Standards Plan.

This Management Framework has been developed by NEHTA to guide changes in the Australian e-health standards development environment. Its purposes are to inform key stakeholders – the suppliers, purchasers and implementers of e-health technologies as well as organisations associated with standardisation – and other interested parties about future directions for the development of e-health standards in Australia, and to encourage wider participation.

This document is part 1 of the 3 part National E-Health Standards Plan.ÂÂ