eHealth

What is eHealth?

While there are varying definitions for eHealth, it is generally thought of as the electronic processes and communication methods that suppot healthcare practice. 

The World Health Organisation defines eHealth as 'the use, in the health sector, of digital data - transmitted, stored and retrieved electronically - in support of health care, both at the local site and at a distance.'

In recent years, computer and other electronic systems have demonstrated that they can support general practice to significantly improve the quality and safety of healthcare, improving health outcomes for patients and increase efficiency of general practice.

The national e-Health initiative is the first time that Australian governments have embraced end-to-end integrated e-Health.  Whilst this is complex, it offers long-term benefits:

  • streamlining the secure delivery of healthcare information
  • stripping away repetitious and inefficient processes
  • improved patient healthcare outcomes
  • secure, convenient and coordinated interactions across the many different parts of the health system. 

eHealth Support Officer Program

The eHealth Support Officer program supports the national eHealth agenda by providing appropriate resources and education to Divisions of General Practice and their members to increase knowledge and understanding of the eHealth environment within general practice and primary care.

This includes assisting Divisions and their members in developing, implementing and utilising high quality electronic health systems to improve the safety and quality of patient care - and realising business efficiencies - through the timely capture, use and exchange of clinical and administrative data.

In 2010-11, this program is a key part of the Department of Health & Ageing's implementation of the 'Change and Adoption' workstream described in the National E-Health Strategy (2008).

eHealth Program Contact:

For more information on the eHealth program within SA, please contact: 

 Name:  Mark Endacott  
 Position:  eHealth Adviser
 Email:  mark.endacott@gpsa.org.au
 Phone:  (08) 8179 1702
 Fax:  (08) 8271 8344