A new national eLearning course launches today at the Health, Innovation and Community Conference (HIC), aimed at strengthening clinical safety within digital health practices across Australia.
The course equips healthcare professionals with practical tools to embed clinical safety as digital technologies become integral to care delivery.
Jointly created by the Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) and the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH), the course is the first of its kind to be available nationally, supporting the ongoing delivery of safe and effective digital health and care.
Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole PSM said the course strengthens the expertise of the national workforce, ensuring digital health solutions remain safe and reliable for all Australians.
She said that clinical safety is a shared responsibility, and this course empowers professionals with the tools and understanding to confidently contribute to the nation's high standards.
"We have worked closely with AIDH to ensure this program meets the needs of Australia's diverse health workforce and supports best practice in digital health," Ms Cattermole said. "It's an important step forward as Australia's healthcare delivery evolves."
Developed over the past 12 months, the introductory course is designed for a broad audience including university students, clinicians and healthcare professionals, software developers and product teams, clinical safety representatives, policymakers and procurement staff. It has been endorsed for AIDH's CHIA Program as Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
AIDH CEO Anja Nikolic said the learning experience offers a comprehensive and interactive introduction to clinical safety in digital health. It guides learners through practical examples to deepen their understanding of how digital health products and services can improve care, while also managing the risks associated with technology and change.
"Content has been developed with input from more than 30 representatives across the health sector including clinical, technological and consumer voices," Ms Nikolic said.
"It has been piloted across a range of health and care organisations, universities, industry and government settings, with 95% of participants saying they would recommend it to others.
"This course provides a practical entry point for professionals from all corners of the system to engage confidently with safety principles and apply them in real-world settings. It reflects the ambition of a sector committed to doing digital health better, together."
The course draws on international best practice, including resources from England's National Health Service, and has been tailored specifically for Australia's health and care system.
Agency Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine) Dr Amandeep Hansra welcomed the learning initiative, highlighting its importance in bridging clinical safety insight with digital innovation.
"As clinicians, we rely on digital systems every day," Dr Hansra said. "This course helps us use them safely, confidently and with a clear understanding of any clinical risks involved.
"Digital transformation in healthcare that supports consumer care must be anchored in safety. Its vital clinicians have access to practical tools to recognise risks early, apply safeguards and deliver care that is innovative and accountable."
Dr Hansra emphasised that any failure in digital systems can have serious consequences for patients and the quality of care.
"It's a stark reminder that when technology falls short, it's patients who feel the impact," Dr Hansra said.
"Clinical safety must be embedded from the ground up through co-design, real-world testing and workforce support - so technology enhances care, not hinders it."
Work has already begun on the Intermediate Clinical Safety in Digital Health course, scheduled for release in 2026, with continued collaboration between the Agency, AIDH and project partners. A HIC workshop being held today invites participants to help shape that module.
