A new study led by CRCNA-supported student Sophie Macklin is shedding light on how healthcare information is shared across rural and remote Australia and where improvements are needed to better support patients and clinicians.
Published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, the research explores how healthcare workers across multiple rural and remote health services access and exchange patient information, and what this means for delivering connected, high-quality care.
Sophie, a student supported through CRCNA’s education program, undertook the study as part of a broader effort to strengthen health service delivery across northern Australia. Her work contributes directly to CRCNA’s Remote and Rural Health Service Delivery research program, which focuses on improving access, outcomes and system efficiency in regional and remote communities. This work also received co-investment by the Digital Health CRC.
Understanding how information flows in the bush
The study involved interviews with 57 healthcare professionals working across six rural and remote health systems, capturing real-world insights into how information is shared between services.
Findings show that while digital systems are increasingly being adopted, healthcare information exchange remains heavily reliant on paper-based and hybrid systems. This often leads to duplication, delays and gaps in communication between providers.
Participants highlighted that limited interoperability between systems, alongside infrastructure constraints and workforce capability challenges, continue to impact the timely and accurate flow of patient information.
Despite these challenges, there was strong support from the workforce for greater digital integration, recognising its potential to improve patient outcomes and streamline care.
A pathway to more connected care
The research identifies three key priorities to strengthen healthcare information exchange in rural and remote settings:
- expanding digital health information systems
- improving local ICT infrastructure and connectivity
- building a digitally skilled healthcare workforce
These recommendations align closely with CRCNA’s ongoing investment in research and partnerships that aim to enhance service delivery across northern Australia.
Importantly, the study reinforces the need to move toward a more consumer-centred model of care, where healthcare information follows the patient seamlessly across services, regardless of location.
Building capability through education and research
Sophie’s work highlights the critical role of CRCNA’s education program in developing the next generation of researchers focused on northern Australia’s unique challenges.
By supporting students to undertake applied, regionally relevant research, CRCNA is helping to build local capability while delivering practical insights that inform policy and improve outcomes on the ground.
This research is one of many projects within CRCNA’s Remote and Rural Health Service Delivery program, which is advancing new models of care, digital solutions and workforce strategies to strengthen healthcare systems across the north.
To access the full report visit: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice | Health Services Research | Wiley Online Library
