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From Framework to Field: Health Apps for Preventative Care

About the project

The Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) is delivering From Framework to Field: Health Apps for Preventative Care, a national capacity-building and education project running from July 2026 to June 2027.

The project will develop practical, freely available resources to help app developers and healthcare professionals better understand the considerations involved in developing, assessing, selecting and using health apps for preventative care.

The project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing through the Health Peak and Advisory Bodies Program.

Why this work matters

Health apps are increasingly used to support people to manage their health, build healthy behaviours and engage with preventative care. Their value, however, depends on more than availability. Apps need to be developed and used with appropriate attention to quality, safety, privacy, usability, equity and the needs of consumers and healthcare professionals.

App developers need a clear understanding of the considerations that support safe, effective and trusted products. Healthcare professionals need practical guidance to assess whether an app is appropriate for its intended purpose and to use it confidently as part of care.

From Framework to Field will translate earlier research and framework development into practical tools and education that can be applied across the health sector.

Explore the project

The self-assessment demo tool, webinar series and online course will be released during the project.

Keep an eye on AIDH channels for launch announcements and webinar registrations.

What the project will deliver

1. Self-assessment demo tool

A web-based version of the Health Apps Self-Assessment Checklist, designed to help app developers consider how their app aligns with the Health Apps Assessment Revised Framework. The tool will provide guidance and generate a report based on the user’s responses. It will not collect information about individual users or the apps being assessed.

Coming soon

2. Webinar series

A free series of expert-led webinars exploring the world of health apps for preventative care. Topics will include the perspectives of healthcare professionals and consumers, standards and regulation, app assessment and selection, and good practice in app development and use.

Expected delivery – from January-March 2027

3. Online course

A free, self-paced online course covering the core themes of the webinar series. The course will provide a flexible way for healthcare professionals, app developers and other interested stakeholders to build their knowledge, expand on the webinars, and revisit the material in their own time.

Expected delivery – March-June 2027

Who the project is for

The project is primarily designed for:

  • App developers and digital health professionals: who want to better understand the quality, safety and implementation considerations that can support trusted and effective health apps.
  • Healthcare professionals: who want practical guidance on selecting and using health apps appropriately in preventative care.

The resources may also be relevant to health service leaders, policy makers, researchers, educators, consumer representatives and others with an interest in the safe and effective use of health apps.

A practical and evidence-informed approach

AIDH will work with subject matter experts and stakeholders from across healthcare, technology and the wider digital health sector to develop the project resources. The webinar series and course will combine evidence, practical experience and different sector perspectives.
Use of the demo tool and feedback on the project resources will also generate insights to inform future policy, education and program development.

Building on earlier work

From Framework to Field is the next stage of AIDH’s work on health apps and preventative care.

Between 2022 and 2025, AIDH evaluated the Australian mHealth Assessment Framework and developed the Health Apps Assessment Revised Framework and supporting checklist. In 2025–26, AIDH explored options to fund the clinical activities of primary healthcare professionals who support and monitor people using preventative health apps.

This project brings that work into practice.

Stay up to date

Keep an eye on AIDH channels for the launch of the self-assessment demo tool and registration for the webinar series.

Contact

Questions about the project or media enquiries can be directed to [email protected]

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