Background

AIDH, with the Centre for the Digital Transformation of Health (CDTH) University of Melbourne, have investigated options to fund clinical activities of primary healthcare professionals who support and monitor consumers who use preventative health apps.

In Phase One of the project, we completed a desktop review and environmental scan, and presented our findings in a report and at a webinar in December.

In Phase Two of the project, we completed a survey and stakeholder engagement to understand the priorities, practical constraints, and safeguards that matter most and presented our findings in a report and at a webinar in March.

We also created resources for clinicians and consumers: Information sheet for Consumers, Information sheet for health practitioners, and Free Mini-course for health practitioners.

Cost Modeling Report Key Findings

The final cost modelling report marks the completion of AIDH and CDTH’s work exploring funding models for app-enabled preventative primary care.

The report focuses on a practical policy question: how could primary care practitioners be funded for the clinical activities that support consumers to use preventative health apps safely and effectively? These activities may include onboarding, education, data review, interpretation, follow-up and coordination.

The modelling examined two funding approaches — targeted MBS item patient benefits and a monthly payment model — across two use cases: diabetes prevention and management, and smoking cessation.

The findings are encouraging. The modelling supports the case for public funding of practitioner activities associated with app-enabled preventative care, where use is clinically appropriate and targeted to cohorts most likely to benefit. Diabetes-related app-enabled care may represent good value for money, while smoking cessation app-enabled care may generate net savings.

The report also reinforces that funding design matters. Because the modelling assumed equivalent annual costs under both funding approaches, it did not identify a cost-effectiveness advantage between the two models. The next policy challenge is therefore less about choosing a single payment mechanism, and more about designing implementation well — including eligibility, clinical guidance, quality and safety assurance, digital inclusion, practice readiness and evaluation.

Access the report here.

Learn more
Background on the project: https://digitalhealth.org.au/advocacy/funding-mechanisms/

Acknowledgement

Project funded under the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program Community Grant Funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA).