From ‘Doctor Google’ to Data-Driven Care: The Future of Digital Health Literacy
Author
Date 10 September 2025
Anyone who has turned to ‘Doctor Google’ when facing health problems knows the tidal wave of information unleashed when they hit enter, particularly for sexual and reproductive health.
A new first-of-its kind Digital and Data Capabilities for Sexual and Reproductive Health platform aims to tackle this problem, part of a groundbreaking four-year study to transform sexual and reproductive health digital capabilities.
Led by ARC Future Fellowship Prof Kath Albury from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society at Swinburne University, the accessible online education and support tool was created in consultation with over 100 Australian health professionals, to meet the needs of diverse communities and workforces.
“Sexual and reproductive health data is especially sensitive, and social media platforms are not always safe spaces for health promotion,” says Prof Albury.
This project aims to support the development of new strategies to address the good, bad and ugly of digital information and transformation.
“From websites to social media and online forums, digital platforms and technologies are central to contemporary clinical services and health promotion. They’re also important sources of information and peer-support.”
As organisations increasingly adopt digital technologies and move into online spaces, Professor Albury’s research provides comprehensive resources for navigating the complex landscape of digital policy and practice .
As part of a larger four-year project, the research-backed and data-driven platform is an essential piece in the puzzle for the current health workforce.
“We often talk about the need for ‘digital health literacy’ for health consumers, but our participants told us that the current HIV, sexual and reproductive health workforce have a real appetite for building their own digital and data capabilities,” she says.
“Our pilot workshops with health professionals demonstrated that shared vocabularies for talking about digital tech can really support organisational strategy and individual skill-building.”
ADM+S will be hosting an online interactive symposium to launch the Digital and Data Capabilities for Sexual and Reproductive Health Project Final Report and Website on Thursday 11 September, 10am- 12pm.
To register for this event visit Final Report and Website Launch: Digital and Data Capabilities for Sexual and Reproductive Health
