ACT Health to revamp data management

ACT Health has released a system-wide review into its data systems as part of a reform of its data management and reporting practices.

The review included a series of recommendations aimed at addressing shortfalls in data reporting and collection. The ACT Government has agreed to all findings and recommendations of the report.

Among the recommendations are building a new data repository that will act as a single source of truth, developing governance structures surrounding data ownership and categorisation, and routinely reviewing data quality and identifying any gaps in data collection.

There are also a number of recommendations aimed at improving awareness and abilities among employees.

These include conducting regular training on access rights, data security, obligation, legislative requirements and protocols; providing targeted communications educating employees about data management issues; and ensuring staff are responsive to changes in business requirements, systems and policies.

ACT Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said the government has now started implementing the recommendations from the report.

“The Review has given ACT Health a granular examination of what is needed to address the shortfalls in data reporting and collection and a clear path ahead to become the jurisdiction to watch when it comes to best practice data management,” she said.

“The way forward is now very clear and there is still considerable work ahead for ACT Health to drive these changes in a planned and systematic way. Right now, implementation is a top priority, to meet the nine core recommendations from the review.”

She said one of ACT Health’s immediate priorities will be to identify and report relevant health information to improve access to data, such as average emergency department waiting times and the number of patients waiting or receiving treatment, through user-friendly web portals.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/alengo

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