Updated FHIR training aims to boost digital health skills across Australia
The Australian Digital Health Agency has released updated training courses to support the roll-out and adoption of the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard across the country's healthcare sector.
Proponents say the widespread implementation of FHIR will allow health information to be shared securely and efficiently, improving the quality, accuracy, and speed of data exchange between different clinical, technical, and administrative systems.
The refreshed training programme, delivered in collaboration with HL7 Australia, features four new courses aimed at helping healthcare professionals, developers, and administrators obtain key competencies in FHIR. The aim is to accelerate the establishment of a more connected healthcare ecosystem as Australia transitions its My Health Record system to the internationally recognised FHIR standard.
Expanding digital health capability
According to the Australian Digital Health Agency, more than 1,000 participants have undergone FHIR training so far. The Agency continues to fully fund the training for the Australian healthcare community to ensure access for a broad range of professionals needing to operate in the emerging digital health environment.
Chief Executive Officer Amanda Cattermole PSM commented on the role of the country's health sector in leading efforts to drive digital transformation. She said:
"Australia's healthcare workforce is demonstrating remarkable leadership in digital transformation. Their willingness to be at the forefront of FHIR training means we are not just modernising infrastructure - we're building capacity, confidence and momentum for lasting, system-wide improvement. By equipping the digital health workforce with the latest FHIR skills and knowledge, we lay the foundation for better care for all Australians."
The curriculum has been updated to incorporate feedback from previous participants and is designed to make upskilling more accessible. Agency Chief Digital Officer Peter O'Halloran described the new approach as a significant step for the sector. He said the ability to learn flexibly will make it easier for professionals to grow their skills:
"The combination of self-paced online learning and expert-led practical group sessions makes it easier for busy professionals to upskill without compromising quality."
Courses and intended participants
The updated training suite includes the following courses: FHIR fundamentals for Australian developers, Introduction to FHIR for project managers, Opportunities for Australia with SMART on FHIR apps, and Making the switch from HL7 V2 to HL7 FHIR. Each course is tailored for different roles within the healthcare community, focusing on technical skills, implementation guidance, strategic thinking, and migration solutions.
HL7 Australia Chair David Rowlands praised the ongoing cooperation between the Agency and his organisation, noting the importance of skilled, standards-based training for the sector. He commented:
"HL7 Australia welcomes the Australian Digital Health Agency's collaborative approach to modernising the My Health Record system using HL7 FHIR. We encourage healthcare organisations and developers to leverage the available FHIR training opportunities, developed by the nation's most experienced practitioners and delivered by HL7 Australia-accredited experts, as FHIR expertise will be essential for Australia's evolving digital health ecosystem."
HL7 Product Director Grahame Grieve also highlighted the growing relevance of FHIR and the need for a workforce that is confident in its use. He said:
"FHIR is becoming more important for data exchange in health, and the Agency's adoption of FHIR-based solutions is a natural outcome. Our ability to make this work will depend most of all on having a workforce that knows FHIR, so I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity."
What is FHIR?
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, or FHIR, is an international standard from HL7 for the electronic exchange of healthcare data. Organising health information into modular components supports integration and sharing across digital health systems. FHIR's structure promotes scalability and flexibility for both providers and consumers, addressing the need for secure and standardised interoperability as digital health infrastructure expands.
Further training opportunities in FHIR are planned to continue with new courses to be rolled out from November 2025. The Agency intends to continue supporting the digital upskilling of Australia's diverse health sector as it prepares for the broader adoption of FHIR.
