Surely This Reveals That The ADHA Is A Little Detached From Reality?

There have been some responses to a some FAQs on the Strategic Interoperabilty Tender.

The following caught my eye.

Question: Can the Agency confirm the timeframe of the proposed work? The RFQ states the following: Any resultant contract is expected to commence on 17th of July 2017 and conclude on 30th of August 2017. Could you please clarify the dates are 17th July to 30th August 2017, i.e. 5 weeks?

Answer: Yes, the timeframe is 5 weeks in line with the outlined dates, 17th of July 2017 to 30th of August 2017. It is expected that the successful tenderer will have extensive experience in this area and therefore would be able to provide the Strategic Interoperability Framework within this timeframe.

Here is the link to the FAQ page.

https://digitalhealth.gov.au/about-the-agency/tenders-and-offers/strategic-interoperability-framework-rft/faqs

Given the scope is as follows:

                         “Strategic Interoperability Framework Program Scope

A digitally interoperable environment for the Australian health and care system is a key enabler needed to support the delivery of the core requirements for raising Australia's standards of health and well-being. In order to achieve this, the major domains to consider when developing interoperability principles include the prediction and prevention of illness; improvements in health and care outcomes; higher quality, safer and more effective health and care systems; and achieving financial sustainability in Australia's health system whilst demonstrating value for money.

Underpinning these requirements for improved health and well-being is the concept that a timely and accessible modern health care service will hold the principle of equity at its core, being accessible to all Australians and reducing the variability in safety and quality of health and care services. Interoperability within health and care systems may be defined as the ability of two or more systems to share, communicate and co- operate. The ambition to achieve interoperability within Australia's health system recognises that its successful delivery serves people rather than systems, by ensuring that the care and support of Australians is paramount, both when well and unwell, and regardless of their ability to pay at the point of service. Defining, developing and measuring the success of a system’s digital health maturity requires a range of interoperability considerations beyond its technical underpinnings. Ultimately, an interoperable health system will provide a seamless service experience for a person using health services. The Agency’s recent consultation with the community, including over 1000 survey responses and written submissions, revealed that over 65% of respondents said the Australian healthcare system is difficult to navigate. People want to know the cost, quality, and availability of services, and experience a more integrated service experience.

A key theme of the National Digital Health Strategy will be to “support me in making the right healthcare choices, and provide me with options”. Achieving this goal will require an interoperable environment, supported by digital technology and standards.

Internationally there has been mixed experience in attempts within health systems and other industries to achieve an interoperable environment, and it is important to recognise and learn from these whilst considering the unique context of the Australian health care system. Interoperability of Australia's health systems is a key driver of social justice in health care. The challenge for the Australian health care sector is to recognise the opportunities and challenges of sharing data for its citizens through achieving a digitally interoperable environment, whilst ensuring the protection and confidentiality of their personal health information.

Although technical considerations are fundamental to the definition of interoperability and to enabling an interoperable environment, the concept of interoperability should be considered in the broader social and economic context, noting its role as the major foundation element of a system which has achieved digital health maturity.”

It really is hard to see how that scope could be usefully addressed in six months, let along six weeks or am I missing something here? There are a heck of a lot of organisations and systems to connect and have interoperate!

David.