Clinical Safety in Digital Health — Introductory eLearning course launches

The Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) and Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) have launched the Clinical Safety in Digital Health — Introductory eLearning course. The introductory course was developed over the past 12 months and is and is designed for a broad audience including clinicians and healthcare professionals, clinical safety representatives, software developers and product teams, university students, policymakers and procurement staff.

Aimed at strengthening clinical safety within digital health practices across Australia, as digital technologies become integral to care delivery, the course aims to equip healthcare professionals with practical tools to embed clinical safety — supporting the ongoing delivery of safe and effective digital health and care. Described as the first of its kind to be available nationally, it has been endorsed for AIDH’s CHIA Program as Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

“We have worked closely with AIDH to ensure this program meets the needs of Australia’s diverse health workforce and supports best practice in digital health,” Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole PSM said. “It’s an important step forward as Australia’s healthcare delivery evolves.” Cattermole also said that the course empowers professionals with the tools and understanding to confidently contribute to the nation’s high standards.

To deepen understanding of how digital health products and services can improve care, while also managing the risks associated with technology and change, the course guides learners through practical examples — AIDH CEO Anja Nikolic saying that the learning experience offers a comprehensive and interactive introduction to clinical safety in digital health. “Content has been developed with input from more than 30 representatives across the health sector including clinical, technological and consumer voices,” Nikolic said.

“It has been piloted across a range of health and care organisations, universities, industry and government settings, with 95% of participants saying they would recommend it to others,” Nikolic added. “This course provides a practical entry point for professionals from all corners of the system to engage confidently with safety principles and apply them in real-world settings. It reflects the ambition of a sector committed to doing digital health better, together.”

Tailored specifically for Australia’s health and care system and drawing on international best practice, including resources from England’s National Health Service, Agency Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine) Dr Amandeep Hansra welcomed the learning initiative — as bridging clinical safety insight with digital innovation. “As clinicians, we rely on digital systems every day,” Hansra said.

“This course helps us use them safely, confidently and with a clear understanding of any clinical risks involved,” Hansra added. “Digital transformation in healthcare that supports consumer care must be anchored in safety. [… It’s] vital clinicians have access to practical tools to recognise risks early, apply safeguards and deliver care that is innovative and accountable.”

Emphasising that any failure in digital systems can have serious consequences for patients and the quality of care, Hansra said: “It’s a stark reminder that when technology falls short, it’s patients who feel the impact.” Hansra adding: “Clinical safety must be embedded from the ground up through co-design, real-world testing and workforce support — so technology enhances care, not hinders it.”

With continued collaboration between the Agency, AIDH and project partners, work is underway on the Intermediate Clinical Safety in Digital Health course, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

Institutions interested in hosting the Clinical Safety in Digital Health Introductory course in their own learning systems are encouraged to email help@digitalhealth.gov.au.

To enrol in the Clinical Safety in Digital Health Introductory course, visit the Australian Digital Health Agency’s Online Learning Portal.

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