“I'm 32 years old and work for a software company. I'm also a mum to an energetic 2-year-old toddler!” Sarah Shelley is a member of eHealth NSW’s growing consumer network.
eHealth NSW is committed to partnering with consumers to make sure we design and deliver consumer-centric health solutions. Our work is guided by the belief that those who use health services and solutions should have a say about how these are provided to them.
“The biggest benefit is being able to bring a fresh perspective based on your own lived experience. You get to come in and ask questions, make suggestions, and share a perspective that may be different to what has previously been considered. This is especially powerful because, without input from members of the community, you don't get community buy-in,” says Sarah.
eHealth NSW's consumer network today
eHealth NSW’s consumer network has grown to 918 members over the past 2 years. Our consumer network members work with different program teams, give feedback, and help shape digital health solutions. They come from diverse backgrounds and regions of the state and each member brings a fresh perspective to our work. Their participation helps ensure that local solutions reflect local needs.
Consumer representative Jann Hayman lives in regional NSW, has a background in biology, and previously worked as a carer support facilitator. She is also a carer and passionate advocate for people with intellectual disabilities.
Jann believes that consumer participation is key to improving digital health solutions.
“I look at eHealth NSW initiatives and technical developments with a consumer eye - is it practical, is it relevant, is it understandable, and is it user-friendly?” explains Jann.
Engaging with our local community
An example of community participation saw eHealth NSW working with consumers to name and brand an upcoming digital health solution. Radiology Information Systems & Picture Archiving & Communications System, or RIS-PACS, is NSW Health’s medical imaging system. A new component of RIS-PACS is a consumer-facing platform, providing a secure way for people to view, store and share their medical images. This platform has recently rolled out in Western NSW and Far West Local Health Districts.
eHealth NSW engaged with 113 diverse consumers in sessions across Eurobodalla, Orange, and Dubbo, seeking feedback on proposed names and icons to represent the new solution. The consumers chose the name ‘NSW Health My Medical Imaging’ and a preferred icon, which has now been finalised.
How you can participate
To find out more about consumer engagement at eHealth NSW and how you can participate, reach out to us via this form.
