5 ways digital health tools can make life easier

Technology has become part of almost everything we do, from ordering food to paying bills and booking appointments.

Our health is no exception. From booking a GP appointment to checking a symptom, managing a prescription or finding information about a health condition, digital tools can make healthcare more convenient and accessible.¹

But not every website, app or AI tool is reliable. Knowing which tools to use, what to look for and when to seek professional care can help you get more from digital health while staying safe.²

Here are 5 ways to use digital health tools to make it easier to look after your health.

When you have an unusual ache or pain, it can be tempting to search your symptoms online. Search engines can help you find useful health information, but not everything you see online is accurate or up to date.

Look for information from reputable organisations, such as government health services, recognised health organisations and healthcare providers.

Before relying on health information, check:

• who published it
• when it was published or last reviewed
• whether the information is supported by evidence
• whether the website is trying to sell you something.

Online information can help you understand a health topic and prepare questions for your healthcare professional, but it shouldn't be used to diagnose yourself.

Telehealth can make it easier to access healthcare without travelling to a clinic.

Depending on your needs, you may be able to speak with a GP or other healthcare professional by video or phone. This can be particularly useful when you have a busy schedule, have difficulty travelling or need a follow-up appointment.

Telehealth isn't right for every situation, but when it's appropriate, it can make it easier to stay connected with your healthcare team.¹

Digital tools aren't just useful when you're unwell. They can also help you keep track of your health and make healthy habits easier to maintain.

Depending on the tools available to you, this might include:

• keeping track of appointments and health information
• setting reminders for medications or health checks
• monitoring things such as blood pressure or blood glucose, when recommended by your healthcare professional
• accessing test results through a secure health service
• managing prescriptions and ordering medicines for delivery.

Digital health services such as My Health Record can give you and your healthcare providers secure access to key health information, helping support treatment and coordination of care.³

Electronic prescriptions can also make accessing medicines more convenient. Prescribers can send an electronic prescription token to a patient by SMS or email, while an Active Script List can securely store multiple active electronic prescriptions in one place.⁴

Digital tools might support ongoing care, but they work best alongside advice and care from your healthcare team.

AI-powered tools and health chatbots are becoming increasingly common. AI is already being used in Australian healthcare in areas including patient support, clinical decision support and health information services.²

They can be useful for finding general health information, explaining medical terms or helping you prepare questions to ask your doctor.

But AI can produce errors, may not work equally well for everyone and can raise privacy and safety concerns.²

If you use an AI or digital health tool:

• check important health information against reputable sources
• don't rely on it to diagnose a health condition
• don't use it instead of seeking medical care when you're concerned about your health
• think carefully before entering personal or sensitive health information.

Used thoughtfully, digital tools can help you feel more informed and prepared without replacing professional healthcare.

Digital tools can help you work out what to do next when you're unsure about a health concern.

Healthdirect has a 24-hour health advice line (1800 022 222) and a symptom checker to help you decide what to do next. This online check takes about 6 minutes and can suggest whether you should care for yourself at home, see a doctor or seek more urgent care. But it isn't a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional healthcare.⁵

Mental health support is also available online, over the phone and through chat. Services such as Lifeline and the Suicide Call Back Service provide 24/7 support.⁶ These services aren't emergency services. If you or someone you're with is experiencing a medical emergency, call triple zero (000).⁵

If you're concerned about symptoms that're severe, getting worse or not going away, speak with your GP or another healthcare professional.

Using digital health services can be a safe and convenient way to look after your health, but it's important to know who you're sharing your information with.

Make sure you're using a legitimate website or app and check how your information will be collected, used and protected.²

Some reputable healthcare services need personal and health information to provide the right level of care. This is different from entering sensitive information into an unknown website, app or chatbot.

A legitimate health service will never ask you to send your banking details by email, text message, chat or outside a secure payment process. The same applies to your passwords or security codes. You should only enter these into a legitimate login or secure environment.

Never share:

• bank or credit card details outside a secure payment process
• your password or security code by email, text message, chat or other insecure channels
• sensitive health information with an unknown or untrusted service.

If you're unsure about a digital health service, speak with your healthcare professional or look for information from a trusted health organisation.