A national committee has been established by the Australian Digital Health Agency to strengthen clinical oversight of digital health.

The National Clinical Governance Committee for Digital Health (NCGC-DH) will guide Australia’s approach to emerging technologies, such as virtual care and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole said the development of the NCGC-DH marks a significant milestone in guiding the safety, quality, and continuous improvement of digital health in Australia.

“By bringing together leading voices from across the health sector, we are prioritising that the future of digital health is clinically safe, effective, and centred on the needs of all Australians,” Ms Cattermole said.

“This committee will play a pivotal role in providing advice to government, shaping policy and practices as digital health technology evolves.”

NCGC-DH Chair Dr Amandeep Hansra highlighted the committee’s diversity of membership.

“Expert Advisory Groups reporting to the NCGC-DH are central to its work. These groups will include clinicians, consumers, industry, health technology experts, and other relevant government agencies, including the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.”

The NCGC-DH Expert Advisory Groups will focus on three key areas: Better and faster access to safe health information sharing; advising on patient safety and quality issues in virtual care and telehealth; and advising on the safe implementation of AI in healthcare settings.