My Health Record has powered the Australian Digital Health Agency’s initial consumer mobile application, known as “my health,” which was launched.
Due to a 292% rise in consumer interest in My Health Record during the previous financial year, the my health app provides Australians with a more convenient way to access crucial health information stored in My Health Record, securely and instantly from their mobile devices.
The app is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and access important health information quickly and easily. The app provides direct visibility of key health information, such as allergies, medications, medical conditions, and test results, which are readily available whenever and wherever they are needed.
Users can take greater control of their health journey and be more involved in their everyday health management. By having access to their health information at their fingertips, users can monitor their health more closely, make informed decisions, and communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals.
The app is designed to be an easy-to-use digital health tool that promotes greater autonomy and participation in health management. Users can track their personal health goals, manage appointments, and set reminders for medications and tests. This feature helps users to stay on top of their health and adhere to treatment plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
From the home screen of the my health app, users can quickly:
- Access their medicines information history
- Check pathology results, including COVID-19 and respiratory test results
- View their vaccination history and upcoming immunisations for themselves and their authorised family members
- Keep track of their allergies and reactions information
- View their hospital discharge summaries
- Manage and keep track of their advance care planning documents
- Share their health documents with others
- View multiple health records, including records for children under 14 and any other records with authorised access.
The CEO of the Australian Digital Health Agency stated that enabling consumers to play an active role in their healthcare by providing them with easy access to reliable health information from birth to end-of-life care through quality apps and devices is one of the defining characteristics of a modern healthcare system.
It has been learned from the surge in the use of My Health Record that approximately 75% of interactions between the system and users occurred on mobile devices. As a result, the app was developed using a co-design approach with a focus on user needs. This approach has ensured that the app caters to the needs of all Australians and will continue to evolve over time to meet the changing needs of users.
The app will continue to grow and improve, with users being empowered to take an active role in their healthcare journey. By prioritising user-centred design and development, it is expected that the app will foster trust and confidence among Australians, leading them to participate actively in their healthcare management.
The consumer-facing app enhances accessibility to health information, providing a simplified way for users to store, see, and share documents. With information at their fingertips, users can take an active role in their health management, facilitating greater engagement and support throughout their wellness journey.
Research has found that almost two-thirds of Australians regularly use their mobile phones to manage, access, and share their health information. The release of a consumer-facing app is a direct response to consumer demand for health information access when and where they need it, making it not only a logical technical development but also an essential advancement.
To ensure the app offers the most user-friendly and accessible experience, a range of measures were undertaken by The Agency. This includes conducting interviews, surveys, accessibility and usability testing with a diverse group of users, including medical professionals and consumers of different ages, locations, cultural backgrounds, and varying levels of health complexity.
Robust data protection mechanisms have been implemented to secure consumer health information within my health, protecting against external interference. The app is fully integrated with end-to-end encryption on the My Health Record platform, ensuring maximum security for users. A seamless connection between the platform and the app is achieved by leveraging the new Health API Gateway.
As soon as new health data is available on My Health Record, it is automatically downloaded onto the app’s interface, providing users with up-to-date information at all times.