Building Trust in Digital Health: Lessons from New Zealand’s Shared Digital Health Record

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is continuing the rollout of its Shared Digital Health Record, a nationwide initiative designed to give authorised clinicians more consistent access to key patient information, regardless of where people receive care. While the project is centred on digital infrastructure, its success depends on something much broader: public trust.

The rollout has recently been extended to allow additional privacy and information-sharing checks before health information is made available through the new system. Alongside the technical work, Health NZ is delivering an information sharing and security awareness initiative, while engaging with primary care providers and consumers to support implementation.

For engagement practitioners, the project reinforces an important lesson.

Digital transformation is not simply about introducing new technology. It requires clear communication, meaningful engagement and confidence that personal information will be managed safely and transparently. Health NZ has reported that consumer research and consultation have helped shape patient communications, while early engagement with general practices has informed onboarding and implementation. Early findings also suggest that patients recognise the value of shared health information, with relatively few choosing to opt out.

As health systems across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand continue to embrace digital innovation, engagement professionals have an increasingly important role in helping organisations navigate change. Building understanding, addressing concerns and communicating openly about privacy and information sharing will be critical to maintaining community trust.

The Shared Digital Health Record demonstrates that successful digital health initiatives rely on more than technology—they rely on meaningful engagement with the people they are designed to serve.

Further Reading

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Shared Digital Health Record Update (July 2026)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Information Sharing and Security Awareness