Australian Health Data Evidence Network formed to standardize real world medical records

Australia is launching a major effort to make better use of real-world health data while protecting privacy. A $9.5 million, 3-year initiative is creating the Australian Health Data Evidence Network (AHDEN) to harmonize real-world data drawn from hospital electronic medical records across the country. Led by the University of Adelaide and partnered with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC), the network will build infrastructure so researchers can access data ethically and safely. The push builds on examples such as research using RWD to understand COVID-19’s impact on ambulance ramping times in Queensland and changing Emergency Department visit trends nationwide.