Victoria's Whole of Health ICT strategy 2009-13

Introduction

The Office of Health Information Systems has recently commenced a process to develop the next Victorian Whole of Health Information and Communication Technology Strategy, 2009-13.

The primary objectives of developing the Health ICT Strategy are to:

• Ensure that investment in health ICT actively and effectively supports the Victorian public health sector in addressing its major priorities, challenges and opportunities
• Provide an overall framework, principles and direction to guide investment in health ICT over the next four years
• Ensure that investment in ICT across the Victorian public health sector is applied to deliver outcomes that impact the priority business issues across the sector (including minimising risk)
• Ensure that Victoria is positioned to leverage from, influence and participate, in the emergent national agenda for e-health while leveraging investments made to date.

Approach

The Whole of Health ICT Strategy 2009-13 will set out the strategic directions for ICT developments in the Victorian public health sector and a recommended approach to implement.

An implementation plan will also be developed to detail the recommended approach, the work program and the associated resource requirements required to support implementation.

The strategy will be supported by high level architecture describing the planned future state and a funding framework articulating how it is proposed to implement and sustain the strategy. The future state will be informed by both wide consultation with the sector and conduct of an environmental scan of national and international developments in health ICT and also the effective use of modern technology to consider lessons learned from that experience.

The strategy and strategic plan, with an associated business case, may then be used to support funding submissions, including the 2009-10 budget development process. If determined appropriate, this may include submitting an ERC bid to Government for an allocation specific to the implementation of the Health ICT Strategy.

The approach to the development of the strategy is to provide multiple ways in which service providers can contribute but to ensure that all contributions are within the project timeframe. The process involves opportunities for contribution through existing forums and representative committees but also incorporates other consultation opportunities for those committed to developing the future vision and strategy. Engagement with existing forums and committees is essential as these represent a rich repository of knowledge of the Victorian health sector and can contribute both this knowledge and vision to the development of the Strategy.

At a health service level the broader system will be engaged through a series of focus groups that will enable contribution to the plan development through exploration of the current state and opportunities to move to a preferred future state that recognises the demands and need for changes in how health care is delivered. The service providers are best placed to contribute their experience of the current state and are often able to articulate clearly the preferred future state.

The approach for the targeted focus groups will be to invite a cross section of professionals and other staff that represent the influences on the consumers’ journey through the health care system.

Further information

If you would like further information regarding this project, please contact:

Peter Williams
Director, IM & T Health
03 9096 2714
peter.e.williams@dhs.vic.gov.au

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