The Australian Digital Health Agency has launched its first consumer mobile application, which enables users to access information stored under My Health Record.

From the home screen users can access information including medicines history, pathology results , COVID-19 test results, vaccination status and upcoming immunisations.

 The app also provides access to allergies and reactions information, hospital discharge summaries, advance care planning documents and records for children under 14 and any other records with authorised access.

DHA says statistics showing consumer views of My Health Record increased by 292 per cent in the last financial year indicate demand for the new app.

CEO Amanda Cattermole says empowering consumers by providing access to health information via quality devices and apps is a hallmark of a modern health system.

“One of the things we have learned from the surge in use of My Health Record is that around 75 per cent of interactions between the system and users occurred on mobile devices,” she said in a statement.

“The accessibility of a consumer facing app further enhances the way people engage with their health and equips users with a simplified way to efficiently see, store, and share documents. “

Mr Cattermole says DHA research indicates that almost two-thirds of Australians regularly use their mobile phones to access, share and manage their health information.

“So the release of a consumer-facing app is not only a logical technical development but also a direct response to consumer demand for access to health information when and where they need it,” she said.