Last month, the Department of Health and Aged Care released a draft "Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy" report, outlining a vision for leveraging technology to enhance the quality and efficiency of aged care services in Australia. The final report is due out in December. We read the AMA's response yesterday and thought we should put out our own. While the report espouses positive principles, it falls short in providing concrete measures for achieving its stated goals.
The draft strategy says all the right things but doesn't really provide specific actions. It rightly emphasizes the importance of placing older Australians at the center of aged care delivery. No one would disagree with statements like this - but how will this be achieved?
The report suggests older people should be able to:
- Communicate across the system
- Experience independence
- Receive high-quality and consistent care
- Be empowered to make informed choices
Again, it's hard to disagree with that... but how will this be achieved?
The report fails to address the crucial role of listening to the voices of older people and their representatives in shaping effective solutions. We believe that this is a critical omission that undermines the report's potential to deliver meaningful change. This is how it will be achieved.
The report highlights four key outcomes, each with associated strategic priorities and action areas. However, none of these initiatives explicitly incorporate mechanisms for gathering and incorporating feedback from older adults. This oversight is concerning, as it suggests that the report's recommendations may not adequately reflect the lived experiences and preferences of those they aim to serve.
At Tell Touch, we recognise the power of technology to transform aged care services. Our digital feedback and complaints system provides a platform for older Australians to share their experiences, raise concerns, and contribute to the improvement of care delivery. We believe that such tools are essential for ensuring that the voices of older people are heard and acted upon.
We are disappointed that grants are readily available for the adoption of technologies like digital medication management, while digital feedback and complaints systems are often overlooked. While we acknowledge the value of digital medication management, we believe that prioritising feedback mechanisms is paramount to achieving a truly person-centred approach to aged care.
Despite our concerns, we commend the government for undertaking this important initiative. We believe that technology has immense potential to revolutionise aged care, and we remain committed to advocating for its effective utilisation in this sector.
As we move forward, we will continue to champion the voices of older Australians and work tirelessly to enhance the quality and efficiency of the care they receive. We are confident that by placing older people at the heart of our efforts, we can create a future where they receive the care they deserve.
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