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HMS, HAG 2025 HSC 16 MC

Which of the following statements best reflects the impact of emerging new treatment and technologies on health care?

  1. Developments have increased efficiency, providing equal access to innovative treatments across all populations.
  2. There is increased use of primary services, but it has minimal influence on improving individual health outcomes.
  3. Early detection of a disease has the potential to improve health outcomes, but limited availability may restrict equitable access.
  4. Advancements have largely focused on enhancing elective procedures, which limits their contribution to improving overall delivery of services.
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: New technologies enable earlier disease detection improving outcomes; however, access inequities remain due to availability limitations

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Equal access claim is false; technology availability varies significantly across populations and regions
  • B is incorrect: New technologies demonstrably improve health outcomes through better diagnosis and treatment, not minimal influence
  • D is incorrect: Technologies benefit emergency and essential care, not just elective procedures

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 046

Describe two opportunities and two challenges that digital health provides for organisations.   (4 marks)

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Opportunities:

  • Digital health reduces duplication of services. For example, shared records in My Health Record allow hospitals and GPs to view the same test results, saving time and resources.
  • Improved efficiency in communication. Secure messaging and electronic referrals allow faster transfer of information between providers.

Challenges:

  • High setup and maintenance costs. Organisations must invest in new technology and staff training.
  • Interoperability issues. Different systems are inherently difficulty to integrate and may not connect smoothly, limiting the usefulness of shared data.
Show Worked Solution

Opportunities:

  • Digital health reduces duplication of services. For example, shared records in My Health Record allow hospitals and GPs to view the same test results, saving time and resources.
  • Improved efficiency in communication. Secure messaging and electronic referrals allow faster transfer of information between providers.

Challenges:

  • High setup and maintenance costs. Organisations must invest in new technology and staff training.
  • Interoperability issues. Different systems are inherently difficulty to integrate and may not connect smoothly, limiting the usefulness of shared data.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 045

Describe two challenges digital health creates for individuals and explain how an individual could respond to reduce each challenge.   (4 marks)

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Answers could include two of the following:

Challenge 1 – Digital literacy barriers
  • Some individuals, particularly older adults, may lack confidence using digital platforms such as My Health Record.
  • Response: An individual could attend digital skills workshops or ask family for support.
Challenge 2 – Privacy and security concerns
  • Sensitive health information stored online can feel unsafe and discourage use.
  • Response: An individual could set strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and regularly review access permissions in their account settings.

Challenge 3 – Limited internet access

  • People in rural or remote areas may struggle with slow or unreliable internet.
  • Response: Use offline app functions where available, schedule downloads during stronger connection periods or investigate alternative remote broadband suppliers such as Starlink.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include two of the following:

Challenge 1 – Digital literacy barriers
  • Some individuals, particularly older adults, may lack confidence using digital platforms such as My Health Record.
  • Response: An individual could attend digital skills workshops or ask family for support.
Challenge 2 – Privacy and security concerns
  • Sensitive health information stored online can feel unsafe and discourage use.
  • Response: An individual could set strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and regularly review access permissions in their account settings.

Challenge 3 – Limited internet access

  • People in rural or remote areas may struggle with slow or unreliable internet.
  • Response: Use offline app functions where available, schedule downloads during stronger connection periods or investigate alternative remote broadband suppliers such as Starlink.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 044

To what extent has digital health been successful in connecting health information.   (8 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • Digital health has been moderately successful in connecting health information.
  • Strong progress has been made in system infrastructure and coverage, but outcomes are limited by low engagement and incomplete data integration.

Infrastructure Achievement

  • Evidence supporting this includes impressive technical connectivity across healthcare providers.
  • Over 98% of GPs, pharmacies and public hospitals are registered with My Health Record systems.
  • With 24 million records created, most Australians have at least partial health histories digitally stored.
  • One major reason why this represents moderate success is the establishment of interoperable systems enabling real-time data sharing.
  • During COVID-19, telehealth integration highlighted the system’s ability to connect records quickly and effectively.
  • This shows digital health has been highly effective in building infrastructure for information connection nationwide.

Limited Practical Impact

  • However, it is important to consider that only one quarter of Australians actively view their digital health records.
  • Despite extensive infrastructure, specialists and aged care providers remain largely disconnected, reducing the system’s completeness.
  • For example, only 20% of diagnostic imaging data is uploaded, leaving critical information missing.
  • This means connection exists technically but not fully in practice, as limited usage prevents optimal outcomes.
  • This demonstrates that digital health has achieved structural readiness but limited practical impact.

Reaffirmation

  • Overall, digital health has reached moderate success: strong infrastructure with limited real-world utilisation.
  • The government’s ~$1 billion investment into upgrades confirms this realisation and that more development is needed.
  • Therefore, while the foundations are there, future success depends on expanding provider participation and increasing consumer engagement to ensure the system is fully utilised.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Digital health has been moderately successful in connecting health information.
  • Strong progress has been made in system infrastructure and coverage, but outcomes are limited by low engagement and incomplete data integration.

Infrastructure Achievement

  • Evidence supporting this includes impressive technical connectivity across healthcare providers.
  • Over 98% of GPs, pharmacies and public hospitals are registered with My Health Record systems.
  • With 24 million records created, most Australians have at least partial health histories digitally stored.
  • One major reason why this represents moderate success is the establishment of interoperable systems enabling real-time data sharing.
  • During COVID-19, telehealth integration highlighted the system’s ability to connect records quickly and effectively.
  • This shows digital health has been highly effective in building infrastructure for information connection nationwide.

Limited Practical Impact

  • However, it is important to consider that only one quarter of Australians actively view their digital health records.
  • Despite extensive infrastructure, specialists and aged care providers remain largely disconnected, reducing the system’s completeness.
  • For example, only 20% of diagnostic imaging data is uploaded, leaving critical information missing.
  • This means connection exists technically but not fully in practice, as limited usage prevents optimal outcomes.
  • This demonstrates that digital health has achieved structural readiness but limited practical impact.

Reaffirmation

  • Overall, digital health has reached moderate success: strong infrastructure with limited real-world utilisation.
  • The government’s ~$1 billion investment into upgrades confirms this realisation and that more development is needed.
  • Therefore, while the foundations are there, future success depends on expanding provider participation and increasing consumer engagement to ensure the system is fully utilised.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 043

Discuss the relationship between data security concerns and public engagement with digital health platforms in Australia.   (6 marks)

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  • [P] Security concerns create significant barriers to digital health engagement.
  • [E] Privacy fears about data breaches directly discourage Australians from actively using My Health Record platforms.
  • [Ev] Only a quarter of record holders actively view their health information, with surveys showing security worries as the primary reason for disengagement
  • [L] This demonstrates how security anxieties fundamentally limit public participation in digital health.
     
  • [P] From another perspective, robust security measures can enhance engagement.
  • [E] Well-communicated security features build trust necessary for platform adoption.
  • [Ev] Healthcare providers using visible encryption and two-factor authentication report 40% higher patient portal usage.
  • [L] Therefore, transparent security protocols significantly increases digital health engagement.
     
  • [P] Critics of increased security protocols would argue that this must be weighed against accessibility challenges.
  • [E] Complex security requirements create barriers for vulnerable populations.
  • [Ev] Elderly users abandon platforms requiring multiple authentication steps, with rural communities particularly affected.
  • [L] This reveals the delicate balance between protecting data and ensuring usable access.
Show Worked Solution
  • [P] Security concerns create significant barriers to digital health engagement.
  • [E] Privacy fears about data breaches directly discourage Australians from actively using My Health Record platforms.
  • [Ev] Only a quarter of record holders actively view their health information, with surveys showing security worries as the primary reason for disengagement
  • [L] This demonstrates how security anxieties fundamentally limit public participation in digital health.
     
  • [P] From another perspective, robust security measures can enhance engagement.
  • [E] Well-communicated security features build trust necessary for platform adoption.
  • [Ev] Healthcare providers using visible encryption and two-factor authentication report 40% higher patient portal usage.
  • [L] Therefore, transparent security protocols significantly increases digital health engagement.
     
  • [P] Critics of increased security protocols would argue that this must be weighed against accessibility challenges.
  • [E] Complex security requirements create barriers for vulnerable populations.
  • [Ev] Elderly users abandon platforms requiring multiple authentication steps, with rural communities particularly affected.
  • [L] This reveals the delicate balance between protecting data and ensuring usable access.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 042

Outline THREE ways in which My Health Record improves emergency healthcare delivery in Australia.   (3 marks)

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  • Prevents medication errors when unconscious patients cannot communicate – emergency staff instantly access current medications and allergies, avoiding fatal drug interactions.
  • Provides complete medical history including chronic conditions, past surgeries and recent specialist visits. This enables informed treatment decisions within critical timeframes.
  • Eliminates duplicate testing as recent pathology results and imaging scans are immediately available. This reduces delays and unnecessary radiation exposure while accelerating diagnosis and treatment.
Show Worked Solution
  • Prevents medication errors when unconscious patients cannot communicate – emergency staff instantly access current medications and allergies, avoiding fatal drug interactions.
  • Provides complete medical history including chronic conditions, past surgeries and recent specialist visits. This enables informed treatment decisions within critical timeframes.
  • Eliminates duplicate testing as recent pathology results and imaging scans are immediately available. This reduces delays and unnecessary radiation exposure while accelerating diagnosis and treatment.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 041

To what extent does digital health improve both efficiency for organisations and quality of care for individuals?    (8 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • Digital health improves efficiency for organisations and quality of care for individuals to a significant extent.
  • This judgment is based on its impact on access to health information, efficiency of services and challenges with data use and equity.

Efficiency and Access Gains

  • Digital health reduces duplication of services by storing prescriptions, imaging and vaccination records in My Health Record.
  • Evidence supporting this includes 24 million Australians now having a record, with 98% containing some data.
  • Organisations such as hospitals and GPs can instantly view history, allergies and medications, saving time and resources.
  • Telehealth also improves efficiency by lowering travel needs and freeing up hospital space.
  • These factors show that digital health has been highly effective in improving efficiency.

Quality of Care and Ongoing Challenges

  • Individuals benefit from tools like the my health app, which provides immediate access to test results and vaccination records.
  • This leads to more informed decision-making and stronger patient engagement.
  • However, challenges remain with low digital literacy, patchy internet in rural areas and privacy concerns.
  • These barriers show digital health is not fully leveraged, meaning improvements in quality of care are only partially achieved.

Reaffirmation

  • On balance, the evidence shows that digital health has significantly improved efficiency for organisations while only moderately improving quality of care for individuals.
  • The evidence shows progress is substantial, but limited by inequities and data challenges.
  • To reach its full potential, further investment in digital literacy, connectivity and data security is needed.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Digital health improves efficiency for organisations and quality of care for individuals to a significant extent.
  • This judgment is based on its impact on access to health information, efficiency of services and challenges with data use and equity.

Efficiency and Access Gains

  • Digital health reduces duplication of services by storing prescriptions, imaging and vaccination records in My Health Record.
  • Evidence supporting this includes 24 million Australians now having a record, with 98% containing some data.
  • Organisations such as hospitals and GPs can instantly view history, allergies and medications, saving time and resources.
  • Telehealth also improves efficiency by lowering travel needs and freeing up hospital space.
  • These factors show that digital health has been highly effective in improving efficiency.

Quality of Care and Ongoing Challenges

  • Individuals benefit from tools like the my health app, which provides immediate access to test results and vaccination records.
  • This leads to more informed decision-making and stronger patient engagement.
  • However, challenges remain with low digital literacy, patchy internet in rural areas and privacy concerns.
  • These barriers show digital health is not fully leveraged, meaning improvements in quality of care are only partially achieved.

Reaffirmation

  • On balance, the evidence shows that digital health has significantly improved efficiency for organisations while only moderately improving quality of care for individuals.
  • The evidence shows progress is substantial, but limited by inequities and data challenges.
  • To reach its full potential, further investment in digital literacy, connectivity and data security is needed.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 040

Evaluate the impact of digital health on reducing health inequities across Australia.    (8 marks)

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Evaluation Statement

  • Digital health has been partially effective in reducing health inequities across Australia.
  • It has improved access to services and availability of information, but challenges with equity of access and digital literacy remain.
  • This evaluation will consider access improvements and ongoing barriers to fairness.

Access to Services

  • Telehealth has allowed people in rural and remote areas to consult specialists without travelling long distances.
  • This is a critical strength, as it reduces the gap between city and country healthcare.
  • The my health app and My Health Record also give patients instant access to results, prescriptions and vaccination records.
  • Evidence supporting this includes widespread uptake of digital platforms, with 24 million Australians having a My Health Record.
  • These tools strongly meet the goal of improving access and reducing geographic inequities.

Equity and Digital Literacy

  • However, barriers such as poor internet in remote areas, lower digital skills and limited confidence in using health technology reduce fair access.
  • For example, older Australians or those with lower socioeconomic status may struggle to use apps effectively.
  • Concerns about privacy and security also discourage participation.
  • These weaknesses mean digital health only partially fulfils its aim of reducing inequities across all groups.

Final Evaluation

  • Overall, this evaluation demonstrates that digital health makes a valuable but incomplete contribution to reducing health inequities.
  • While strong in expanding access, it is weakened by limited digital literacy and infrastructure gaps.
  • Weighing these factors shows digital health is partially effective and requires further investment in education and connectivity to achieve optimal equity.
Show Worked Solution

Evaluation Statement

  • Digital health has been partially effective in reducing health inequities across Australia.
  • It has improved access to services and availability of information, but challenges with equity of access and digital literacy remain.
  • This evaluation will consider access improvements and ongoing barriers to fairness.

Access to Services

  • Telehealth has allowed people in rural and remote areas to consult specialists without travelling long distances.
  • This is a critical strength, as it reduces the gap between city and country healthcare.
  • The my health app and My Health Record also give patients instant access to results, prescriptions and vaccination records.
  • Evidence supporting this includes widespread uptake of digital platforms, with 24 million Australians having a My Health Record.
  • These tools strongly meet the goal of improving access and reducing geographic inequities.

Equity and Digital Literacy

  • However, barriers such as poor internet in remote areas, lower digital skills and limited confidence in using health technology reduce fair access.
  • For example, older Australians or those with lower socioeconomic status may struggle to use apps effectively.
  • Concerns about privacy and security also discourage participation.
  • These weaknesses mean digital health only partially fulfils its aim of reducing inequities across all groups.

Final Evaluation

  • Overall, this evaluation demonstrates that digital health makes a valuable but incomplete contribution to reducing health inequities.
  • While strong in expanding access, it is weakened by limited digital literacy and infrastructure gaps.
  • Weighing these factors shows digital health is partially effective and requires further investment in education and connectivity to achieve optimal equity.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 039

Assess the extent to which My Health Record has successfully connected health information in Australia.   (8 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • My Health Record has been moderately successful in connecting health information across Australia.
  • It has shown progress in coverage and access, but faces challenges in usage and depth of data.
  • This assessment will focus on how well it connects information for providers and patients, and whether it is widely and effectively used.

Coverage and Access

  • The system includes 24 million Australians that have records out of a population of 27 million. With 98% of records containing some data, a vast majority of people have at least partial health histories recorded.
  • This demonstrates significant success in collecting patient information nationally.
  • Public hospitals, GPs and pharmacies are registered with the system, creating a good opportunity for integrated care and data enhancement.
  • However, a number of practical limitations exist. For example, only 20% of diagnostic imaging is uploaded, which limits the information available.
  • This indicates that although the system can support a wide range of health information, limited uploading reduces its effectiveness which diminishes its value for clinical decision-making.

Usage and Effectiveness

  • Despite wide coverage, only one quarter of records are actively viewed. This demonstrates limited engagement, reducing its practical benefit.
  • Healthcare providers may not always upload or access data due to system complexity. Significant and ongoing government investment in system upgrades highlights its recognition of these issues.
  • While usage is improving, overall outcomes remain inconsistent and uneven.

Overall Assessment

  • On balance, My Health Record is valuable but not yet fully effective in connecting health information.
  • It delivers broad access but limited uptake and lack of detailed information reduce its overall effectiveness.
  • Greater engagement, improved interoperability and stronger data uploads are needed to reach its full potential for coordinated care in Australia.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • My Health Record has been moderately successful in connecting health information across Australia.
  • It has shown progress in coverage and access, but faces challenges in usage and depth of data.
  • This assessment will focus on how well it connects information for providers and patients, and whether it is widely and effectively used.

Coverage and Access

  • The system includes 24 million Australians that have records out of a population of 27 million. With 98% of records containing some data, a vast majority of people have at least partial health histories recorded.
  • This demonstrates significant success in collecting patient information nationally.
  • Public hospitals, GPs and pharmacies are registered with the system, creating a good opportunity for integrated care and data enhancement.
  • However, a number of practical limitations exist. For example, only 20% of diagnostic imaging is uploaded, which limits the information available.
  • This indicates that although the system can support a wide range of health information, limited uploading reduces its effectiveness which diminishes its value for clinical decision-making.

Usage and Effectiveness

  • Despite wide coverage, only one quarter of records are actively viewed. This demonstrates limited engagement, reducing its practical benefit.
  • Healthcare providers may not always upload or access data due to system complexity. Significant and ongoing government investment in system upgrades highlights its recognition of these issues.
  • While usage is improving, overall outcomes remain inconsistent and uneven.

Overall Assessment

  • On balance, My Health Record is valuable but not yet fully effective in connecting health information.
  • It delivers broad access but limited uptake and lack of detailed information reduce its overall effectiveness.
  • Greater engagement, improved interoperability and stronger data uploads are needed to reach its full potential for coordinated care in Australia.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 038

Describe one opportunity and one challenge digital health creates for individuals.   (4 marks)

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Opportunity: Better access

  • One important opportunity of digital health is better access to health services and information.
  • This happens when individuals use telehealth or the my health app to quickly see test results, prescriptions or vaccination records.
  • As a result, people can save time, make informed choices and take greater control of their health.

Challenge: Inequity

  • A key challenge is the risk of systemic inequity.
  • Two examples of inequity are people in rural areas who have poor internet coverage or people with low digital skills who may struggle to use these systems.
  • Consequently, not all individuals benefit equally from digital health services.
Show Worked Solution

Opportunity: Better access

  • One important opportunity of digital health is better access to health services and information.
  • This happens when individuals use telehealth or the my health app to quickly see test results, prescriptions or vaccination records.
  • As a result, people can save time, make informed choices and take greater control of their health.

Challenge: Inequity

  • A key challenge is the risk of systemic inequity.
  • Two examples of inequity are people in rural areas who have poor internet coverage or people with low digital skills who may struggle to use these systems.
  • Consequently, not all individuals benefit equally from digital health services.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 037

Explain how digital health can improve communication between patients and healthcare providers.   (5 marks)

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  • Digital health improves communication between patients and healthcare providers in three main ways: through My Health Record, the my health app and telehealth.

My Health Record

  • Digital health improves communication because it gives patients and providers shared access to the same health information.
  • This occurs because platforms like My Health Record store data such as prescriptions, test results and allergies in one place.
  • As a result, both patients and doctors can see the same information during an appointment, which reduces confusion.
  • This shows a clear connection between better access to information and more informed doctor-patient communication.

my health App

  • Mobile tools like the my health app also allow patients to quickly check and share records.
  • This works by providing real-time updates, which helps patients explain their health situation clearly.
  • Consequently, doctors can respond with the right treatment faster.

Telehealth

  • Telehealth creates another channel for communication.
  • This mechanism helps to connect patients in remote areas with providers, ensuring they receive advice without the need for travel.
  • Therefore, telehealth provides a direct line of communication, helping patients and healthcare providers stay connected even when face-to-face visits are not possible.
Show Worked Solution
  • Digital health improves communication between patients and healthcare providers in three main ways: through My Health Record, the my health app and telehealth.

My Health Record

  • Digital health improves communication because it gives patients and providers shared access to the same health information.
  • This occurs because platforms like My Health Record store data such as prescriptions, test results and allergies in one place.
  • As a result, both patients and doctors can see the same information during an appointment, which reduces confusion.
  • This shows a clear connection between better access to information and more informed doctor-patient communication.

my health App

  • Mobile tools like the my health app also allow patients to quickly check and share records.
  • This works by providing real-time updates, which helps patients explain their health situation clearly.
  • Consequently, doctors can respond with the right treatment faster.

Telehealth

  • Telehealth creates another channel for communication.
  • This mechanism helps to connect patients in remote areas with providers, ensuring they receive advice without the need for travel.
  • Therefore, telehealth provides a direct line of communication, helping patients and healthcare providers stay connected even when face-to-face visits are not possible.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 036

Describe how the my health app supports individuals in managing their health.   (4 marks)

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  • The my health app provides secure access to personal health records anywhere, anytime.
  • Individuals can view medication history, vaccination records, pathology results and hospital discharge summaries in one place.
  • The app allows tracking of allergies, reactions and end-of-life care plans.
  • Users can share information with authorised family members or health professionals, improving coordination of care.
  • Mobile access ensures data is available instantly, supporting informed decision-making.
  • Overall, the app encourages autonomy, engagement and health literacy, helping individuals actively manage their health.
Show Worked Solution
  • The my health app provides secure access to personal health records anywhere, anytime.
  • Individuals can view medication history, vaccination records, pathology results and hospital discharge summaries in one place.
    The app allows tracking of allergies, reactions and end-of-life care plans.
  • Users can share information with authorised family members or health professionals, improving coordination of care.
  • Mobile access ensures data is available instantly, supporting informed decision-making.
  • Overall, the app encourages autonomy, engagement and health literacy, helping individuals actively manage their health.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 035

Outline three services included in Australia’s digital health system.   (3 marks)

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Answers could include any 3 of the following:

  • Electronic prescriptions: This allows patients to receive prescriptions digitally, reducing paper use and improving convenience.
  • Telehealth consultations: This enables patients, especially in rural and remote areas, to connect with doctors through video or phone appointments.
  • My Health Record: A secure digital platform that stores health information such as medication history, allergies and pathology results, accessible to both patients and healthcare providers.
  • Wearable devices:  Smartwatches and other similar devices can be used to track data like heart rate, sleep and physical activity, supporting patient monitoring and individualised care.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include any 3 of the following:

  • Electronic prescriptions: This allows patients to receive prescriptions digitally, reducing paper use and improving convenience.
  • Telehealth consultations: This enables patients, especially in rural and remote areas, to connect with doctors through video or phone appointments.
  • My Health Record: A secure digital platform that stores health information such as medication history, allergies and pathology results, accessible to both patients and healthcare providers.
  • Wearable devices:  Smartwatches and other similar devices can be used to track data like heart rate, sleep and physical activity, supporting patient monitoring and individualised care.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 034

Outline THREE ways in which My Health Record can improve emergency healthcare delivery in Australia.   (3 marks)

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Show Worked Solution
  • Instant access to critical information: Emergency staff can immediately view current medications and allergies when patients are unconscious, preventing dangerous drug interactions and allergic reactions
  • Medical history visibilit: Previous conditions, surgeries and chronic diseases are accessible, enabling doctors to make informed treatment decisions without relying on patient communication
  • Reduction in duplicate testing: Recent pathology and imaging results are available, eliminating unnecessary repeat tests, thus saving crucial time in emergency situations and reducing patient exposure to additional procedures

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 054 MC

In addressing digital health inequity, which intervention would most effectively support elderly Australians in remote areas?

  1. Establishing monthly in-person digital health support sessions in community centres.
  2. Providing government-funded tablets with pre-installed health apps to all residents over 65.
  3. Partnering with local health workers to provide ongoing digital literacy training using existing devices.
  4. Installing public internet kiosks in remote towns for accessing health records.
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Local health workers providing ongoing training leverages existing trusted relationships and ensures sustainable support that addresses digital literacy.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Monthly sessions are too infrequent for elderly users learning new skills and may be inaccessible for those with mobility issues.
  • B is incorrect: Devices without training or internet infrastructure fail to address the core barriers of connectivity and digital literacy.
  • D is incorrect: Public kiosks raise privacy concerns for health information and don’t address the need for digital skills or home access.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 053 MC

Which of the following represents the most serious challenge for the operational efficiency of Australia's digital health system?

  1. Too many people accessing their records
  2. Different software systems not sharing data effectively
  3. Insufficient user engagement with digital platforms
  4. Patients refusing to use smartphones
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: Failures between different software systems not working together prevent health information from being shared effectively, directly undermining the core purpose of the digital system.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: High usage would indicate success rather than a challenge and systems are designed to handle large volumes of users.
  • C is incorrect: While low engagement reduces effectiveness, it doesn’t prevent the system from operating efficiently for those who do use it.
  • D is incorrect: Digital health systems are accessible through multiple devices including computers and tablets, not just smartphones.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 052 MC

A patient using the 'my health' app notices their pathology results show abnormal values. What is the most appropriate next step according to best practice in digital health?

  1. Use an online symptom checker to diagnose the results
  2. Compare results with previous tests to assess if values are improving
  3. Contact their healthcare provider to discuss the results
  4. Order medications online based on the results
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Contacting a healthcare provider ensures professional interpretation of results and appropriate medical advice.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Online symptom checkers lack the clinical context and expertise needed to accurately interpret pathology results.
  • B is incorrect: While comparing trends seems logical, patients lack the medical training to interpret whether changes in abnormal values are clinically significant.
  • D is incorrect: Self-medicating based on pathology results without professional guidance is dangerous and could lead to inappropriate treatments.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 051 MC

The Australian Digital Health Agency was established to:

  1. Offer low cost health insurance products online
  2. Provide connected digital solutions for health system infrastructure
  3. Support general practitioners with artificial intelligence support
  4. Monitor individuals' health for early intervention
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: The agency was established specifically to develop and manage digital infrastructure and technology services that connect different parts of the health system.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: The Agency does not develop insurance products, which are typically offered by private companies.
  • C is incorrect: While digital health infrastructure may enable AI support for GPs, this is not the Agency’s primary purpose.
  • D is incorrect: Although the Agency creates the infrastructure for health information sharing, health monitoring is done by healthcare providers using these systems.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 050 MC

Which combination of factors represents the most significant barrier to equitable access to digital health services in rural Australia?

  1. Language barriers and cultural differences
  2. Lack of smartphone ownership and resistance to change
  3. Privacy concerns and cost of technology
  4. Unreliable internet connectivity and lower digital literacy
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: These are the most significant barriers because rural Australians cannot access digital health services without stable internet and many lack the skills to effectively use these technologies.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: These are factors but not the most significant for rural areas
  • B is incorrect: Smartphone ownership is less of an issue than connectivity
  • C is incorrect: Cost and privacy affect all areas, not specifically rural

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 049 MC

According to recent data, approximately what percentage of Australians with My Health Records have actually viewed their digital health information?

  1. 25%
  2. 50%
  3. 75%
  4. 95%
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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Only one-quarter of Australians with access have actually looked at their digital health records. 

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 048 MC

A 75-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency department unconscious. Which feature of My Health Record would be most valuable to the treating physician?

  1. The patient's vaccination history from childhood
  2. The number of admissions to emergency in the last 12 months
  3. Current medications and known allergies
  4. The contact details of their regular doctor
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Current medications and known allergies are most critical for preventing fatal drug interactions or allergic reactions in an unconscious patient.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Childhood vaccination history has minimal relevance to emergency treatment of a 75-year-old.
  • B is incorrect: Previous ED admissions provide context but aren’t as critical as current medications/allergies for immediate treatment.
  • D is incorrect: Regular doctor’s contact details are helpful for follow-up but not essential for emergency treatment decisions.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 047 MC

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of digital health in Australia?

  1. To replace face-to-face medical consultations
  2. To connect health information and improve clinical decision-making 
  3. To reduce the number of healthcare workers needed
  4. To eliminate paper records in all medical facilities
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

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  • B is correct. Digital health’s primary goal is optimising available health information to help inform clinical decisions.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Digital health aims to complement, not replace, face-to-face care.
  • C is incorrect: Digital health supports healthcare workers, not replaces them.
  • D is incorrect: While reducing paper is a benefit, it’s not the primary purpose.

HMS, HAG 2016 HSC 5 MC

Which of the following is a health benefit of using emerging technologies for health care in Australia?

  1. Reduced expenditure in medical research
  2. Reduced costs of medical treatment for individuals
  3. Faster recovery of patients from less-invasive procedures
  4. Increased availability of medical services in regional and remote areas
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\(D\)

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Note: The solution to this question in 2016 was C but since the advent of online services such as telehealth, the impact of the technological benefits has changed.

  • D is correct: Technologies like telehealth increase medical service access in remote areas.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Technology typically increases research costs, not reduces them.
  • B is incorrect: New technologies often increase individual treatment costs initially.
  • C is incorrect: While true, this isn’t the primary benefit highlighted.