Impact of Technology and Data on Australia's Health System

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the impact of digital health, imaging and pathology technologies, big data, and privacy measures in Australia's health system.

Imaging technologies

Diagnostic tools used for measuring and monitoring, which include X-ray, MRI, CT scans, nuclear imaging, and medical (camera or scope) imaging.

Pathology technologies

Technologies used to analyze bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, or stool, or organ tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Epigenetic testing

A form of genetic analysis used for measuring, monitoring, and diagnosing health conditions.

Robotic-assisted surgeries

Surgical interventions involving specialized tools and equipment designed to be less invasive, more precise, and more effective.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Technology used for the analysis of large patient data sets, genetic sequencing, medical image analysis, and mental health support via chatbots.

Nanotechnology

A current and future health technology involving the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale.

Digital health

Defined by AIHW (2024) as systems, tools, and services using communication and information technology to diagnose, treat, collect, and share personal health information.

MyHealth Record

An electronic health record system that allows patients to access their own data and take an active role in their health management.

My QuitBuddy

A smartphone app used in Australia as a digital health service to support smoking cessation.

Telehealth

Communication technology that extends healthcare services, overcoming geographic, language, and cultural barriers while saving time.

Interoperability (Health Information Systems)

The challenge of ensuring different health information systems are compatible so data can be shared accurately and meaningfully.

Data literacy

The education and equipment of individuals and organisations to understand their rights and manage personal data responsibly.

Big data

Varied health data collated at high speeds from healthcare interactions and surveys, including health challenges, lifestyle behaviors, and treatments.

High-value healthcare

The strategy of allocating resources to provide the best possible care at the lowest possible cost to benefit the largest number of people in need.

Low-value healthcare

Wasteful healthcare spending on services that are not cost-effective and do not lead to improved health outcomes.

Epidemiological data

Information analyzed using AI to detect patterns of ill health in population groups, leading to targeted interventions.

Data anonymisation

A measure used to protect patient privacy by removing identifying information from collected health data.

Data minimisation

A privacy and security strategy that involves limiting the collection and storage of patient information to the absolute necessary amount.

Regenerative medical technologies

A field of modern medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged human cells, tissues, or organs.

Gene editing technology

A current and future healthcare technology that allows for specific changes to the DNA sequence of an organism.