It’s clear there is growing momentum around data, dignity and decision-making at the end of life. And most exciting of all, there’s a convergence happening—of policy, funding, legislation and digital innovation, writes our CEO Dr Merran Cooper.
Two weeks ago, I was privileged to be included in the Wicking Trust Partners Roundtable with an incredible group of changemakers—ranging from grassroots community organisations to national peak funding bodies and AI researchers all actively working together to improve the last stage of life for older Australians.
From there, I had two jam-packed days at the Digital Health Festival in Melbourne, speaking with:
– Clinicians and interoperability architects
– Aged care clinical management systems
– Alarm and wearable tech developers
– The Australian Digital Health Agency
– EMR providers, GP and specialist desktop platforms.
Everyone I met shared one clear message: it’s time for truly interoperable and person-centred systems that respect and activate a person’s wishes for end-of-life care—wherever they are, and whenever that information is needed.
And for those systems to not only be designed, but implemented.
As the Australian Digital Health Agency’s Sandra Cook said, “It’s crucial to start implementing solutions rather than designing for perfection.”
Another highlight of the week was hearing Dr Priyanka Vandersman from ELDAC speak about their innovative digital dashboard at the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Digital Transformation Sector meeting, which is already making a measurable difference in end-of-life care across residential aged care—and now expanding into home care.
I am encouraged by the collaboration across the sector—Palliative Care Australia, ELDAC and Advance Care Planning Australia working together to align efforts with the new Aged Care Act, Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, funding models, the National Interoperability Strategy and the National Palliative Care Strategy.
This moment is an opportunity to shape a future where data-driven, connected and compassionate care is a reality.
Touchstone Life Care is proud to have built and to continue to grow a nationally-aligned, interoperable platform ready to connect Advance Care Directives, Goals of Care documents and more with every part of the health and aged care system—from My Health Record to ambulance, hospital, legal and specialist IT systems.
As CEO I am truly excited to contribute our piece of the puzzle: ensuring every person’s values and wishes are recorded, shared, and respected at the point of care.
See how we support every jurisdiction.
Let’s continue to move forward—together.
About Touchstone
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Touchstone Life Care is a complete end-of-life planning platform that makes it simple, secure, and empowering to plan for the future – on your terms.
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