NEW AIDH DIGITAL STRATEGY ADDS PILLAR TO PREVIOUS AIMS Nurturing, supporting and advancing AIDH members’ professional lives
With
Anja Nikolic,
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Institute of Digital Health
SEGMENT
Filmed in Melbourne & Sydney | March 2026
Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH), today has released the AIDH Strategic Plan for 2026–2028, recently approved by the Board. This plan acts as a roadmap, as well as a shared statement of purpose and intent, guiding where AIDH will focus its effort, investment and voice over the next three years.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Anja Nikolic, AIDH Chief Executive Officer on AIDH’s role as a hub for collaboration, knowledge advancement and thought leadership across the sector.
Drawing upon the previous strategic plan ending 2025, the new plan as a new pillar.
The plan commits AIDH to continuing its work in building a highly skilled and capable workforce, shaping healthcare through strong thought leadership, and fostering a diverse and engaged community. Importantly, it introduces an additional strategic aim — nurturing a thriving and growing membership — because its impact relies on a strong, supported and connected member base.
Underlying themes are AIDH’s commitment to organisational excellence, guided by its values of professionalism, excellence, integrity, respect and teamwork.
The Strategic Plan was developed collaboratively, drawing on the insight and experience of staff, the Board, members and stakeholders.
AIDH members and stakeholders are invited to read the plan and consider how they can support its delivery — through their involvement, their ideas, and their advocacy for AIDH and the digital health community.
Source: Supplied and adapted
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Clinical pain neuroscientist talks about how the brain processes pain information
Persistent pain affects one in five Australians and costs the nation an estimated $73 billion per year in health system costs, lost productivity and other financial costs.
Persistent pain also has debilitating personal costs – negatively impacting quality of life and the ability to engage in meaningful work and life activities.
Despite the enormity of this problem, very few effective treatments exist with most showing only small to moderate improvements. New treatments are desperately needed. The group believes the best way to create impactful change is to work with people with lived experience of persistent pain to devise solutions with them, not for them.
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Improved access to technology needed for people with Type 2 Diabetes needing insulin
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) provides subsidised products for diabetes management; however, disparities exist in access to technology between those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are subsidised for Type 1, they are not available for Type 2 diabetes. ADEA advocates for equitable access to these essential tools, emphasising that all individuals with diabetes deserve the resources necessary for optimal management and reduced risk of complications. Without such technologies, many are forced to rely on finger pricking, which can be inconvenient and unsafe in settings such as the workplace and in higher education.
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Digital tools help hospitals reduce missed appointments
Nicole Nixon, CEO of Five Faces, says the Brisbane-based digital experience and software platform company is helping hospitals make outpatient and perioperative patient journeys easier for both patients and clinicians.
In an interview with the Australian Health Journal filmed at Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) recent HIC26 conference in Sydney, Nixon explains how Five Faces’ digital front door platform supports patients from the moment an appointment is created, providing information about appointments, preparation, hospital facilities and wayfinding. Patients can also complete digital forms and receive timely notifications, reminders and resources designed to reduce missed or cancelled appointments.
