Health My Way

Digital health literacy skills are critical to ensuring every Australian has the ability to make informed, confident choices when it comes to supporting their health and wellbeing online.

Health My Way is a Good Things Foundation program supported by the Australian Digital Health Agency.

Digital health literacy enables people to make informed, confident choices when using online information, tools and resources to support their health and wellbeing. As health services and information moves online, these skills are becoming more important than ever.

Health My Way is a digital inclusion program delivered by community organisations in our network between 2019 and 2021. It supports people aged over 18 years to gain the essential digital skills and confidence to manage their health and wellbeing. 

We started the project with a pilot in 7 communities in mid 2019. We took the learnings from this pilot and incorporated them into a broader roll out in 68 community organisations. The national program commenced in February 2020.

Good Things Foundation provided participating community organisations with ongoing support to deliver the program:

  • Small grant funding
  • Digital Health Mentor training and handbook
  • Resources and learning materials
  • Online learning modules
  • Opportunities to skillshare with other organisations.
 

The social impact of Health My Way

Good Things Foundation Australia has released the findings from the Health My Way 2019-2021 evaluation.

The impact of COVID-19

The onset of COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020 significantly impacted how the program was delivered to the community, right when digital health skills became even more important. Some participating organisations shifted successfully to a hybrid online/offline model during lockdowns. Others, after closing completely, returned to delivering the program. The impact of the pandemic meant that:

  1. We reached the same amount of people, but in a different way, such as via online learning modules or downloadable resources on finding reliable COVID information online 
  2. Digital Health Mentors’ capability to deliver digital skills programs online increased
  3. The program was extended by six months to finish in June 2021.

Outcomes of Health My Way

An external evaluation of the national program found that it has a significant impact in improving participants digital health literacy. The program:

  • Had a significant positive impact on the digital health literacy of learners
  • Increased learners’ knowledge and confidence in use of My Health Record 
  • Increased learners’ social interactions and connections

Digital Health skills participants in the program were supported to learn:

  1. Introduction to My Health Record (24%)
  2. Using health and wellbeing apps (16%)
  3. Finding reliable health and wellbeing info online (15%)
  4. My Health Record privacy and access settings (13%)
  5. Other digital health topics and activities (32%)

In addition, the program positively impacted the community organisations and Digital Health Mentors involved:

  • Community organisations increased their capability to deliver programs online.
  • Community organisations were highly satisfied with the resources and support provided by Good Things Foundation
  • The majority of organisations and Digital Health Mentors had the skills and confidence to deliver the program.

View the Health My Way resources.

The Health My Way project is running from July 2019 – June 2021.

News and stories from our Health My Way Network partners

  • Digital Mentor, Derek Tink, giving presentation

    01/06/2021 · Communities we work with | Health My Way | Our projects

    Reaching regional with digital health education

    Digital IQ delivered digital health skills when - and where - needed most.

  • Two women at home using digital tablet

    24/05/2021 · Health My Way | Our projects | Research and reports

    The social impact of Health My Way

    Reflecting on the outcomes and benefits of the 2019-21 Health My Way program

  • Digital health mentor Kirstie teaches a class of women with tablets on the table.

    13/05/2021 · Health | Health My Way | Our projects

    Crafting better digital health skills

    Artworks Inc are combining art and digital skills workshops to promote digital health resources.

  • Text: Network story. National Seniors Australia. Capricornia, QLD.

    04/05/2021 · Health | Health My Way | Our projects

    Seniors zoom into digital health

    National Seniors Australia’s Capricornia branch is helping older Australians to take ownership of their health records and information online.

  • Graphics representing earthquakes, bushfires, COVID-19, cyclones and floods.

    27/04/2021 · Be Connected | Communities we work with | Health My Way | Our projects

    Support for our Network in natural disasters & COVID

    Our national network have been through bushfires, COVID lockdowns, floods and more. No matter what happens, we're here for you.

  • Health My Way lesson at St George Careers Development Centre featuring seniors using tablets. Session conducted by Be Connected Lead Digital Mentor George Ahern (Centre).

    23/04/2021 · Communities we work with | Health My Way | Our projects

    Online skills for reliable health information

    St George Careers Development Centre empowers seniors to find reliable health and nutrition information online.