Glossary

AI is the simulation of human intelligence in machines designed to perform tasks like learning, reasoning and decision-making. It powers technologies such as chatbots, predictive analytics and autonomous systems. 

Happening at different times.

An interdisciplinary field that focuses on the effective use of biomedical data, information and knowledge for scientific research, problem-solving and decision making with the goal to enhance human health.

Jen, M. Y., Mechanic, O. J., & Teoli, D. (2023). Informatics. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

The ethical obligation to protect private and sensitive information from unauthorised disclosure.

A two-way functionality involving data sharing between a sender and a receiver. It can be synchronous or asynchronous for the purpose of delivering or receiving health and medical care.

Involves digital ways of thinking and working, to drive innovation, efficiency, productivity and user experience.

Australian Digital Health Agency. (2024). Workforce Strategy 2021–2026. Australian Government. https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/agency-workforce-strategy-2021-2026.pdf. 

The traceable record of an individual’s online activities, including posts, accounts and browsing history.

The application of information and communication technologies in the fields of health care and medicine.

Jandoo, T. (2020). WHO guidance for digital health: What it means for researchers. Digital Health, 6, 2055207619898984–2055207619898984. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207619898984.

Systems, tools and services powered by information and communication technology that are used to treat patients and gather and share their health information.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

The process of guiding and influencing the development, implementation and strategic direction of digital health technologies and solutions in healthcare systems.

Laukka, E., Pölkki, T., & Kanste, O. (2022). Leadership in the context of digital health services: A concept analysis. Journal of Nursing Management, 30(7), 2763–2780. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13763.

Refers to the ability to effectively and critically navigate and create information using a range of digital skills.

Tinmaz, H., Lee, Y.-T., Fanea-Ivanovici, M., & Baber, H. (2022). A systematic review on digital literacy. Smart Learning Environments, 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-022-00204-y.

The measures taken to protect personal and professional information from risks in the online environment.

The integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers.

Andriole, S. J. (2020). The hard truth about soft digital transformation. IT Professional, 22(5), 13–16. DOI: 10.1109/MITP.2020.2972169.

The process of converting analogue information into a digital format, enabling the content to be programmed, addressed, traced and communicated.

Fahndrich, J. (2023). A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control. Journal of Management Control, 34(1), 9–65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00187-022-00349-4

A digital platform that stores and manages patient health information, replacing traditional paper-based medical records and allowing healthcare providers to access and update patient details electronically.

Standardised form to send a referral to an electronic medical record system; linked also to electronic medical records.

Provides outpatient and community services with real-time link to referral management and triaging; also sends notifications to patients and referrer – in this way it keeps everyone informed.

The demonstration of professional behaviours and standards online.

Technology developments that focus on the needs and preferences of patients, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

Pang, T. Y., Lee, T.-K., & Murshed, M. (2023). Towards a new paradigm for digital health training and education in Australia: Exploring the implication of the fifth industrial revolution. Applied Sciences, 13(11), 6854. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/11/6854.  

Malicious software that disrupts, damages or gains unauthorised access to systems or data.

An added security measure requiring multiple forms of verification to access an account.

A cyberattack designed to steal sensitive information by pretending to be a legitimate or trustworthy source.

Happening at the same time.

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.