Implementation: what's involved

Understand the phases and steps involved in implementing SNOMED CT-AU and the Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) in clinical software.

Process: Implementing SNOMED CT-AU in clinical software

Phase 1: Decision to adopt

Step 1: Understand the business drivers

The first step in deciding to adopt SNOMED CT-AU or AMT is understanding the relevant business drivers. Clinical terminology can benefit health organisations through:

• clinical data capture, exchange, reporting, analysis and decision support
• medicines data capture, exchange, reporting, analysis and decision support
• all of the above.

See how other organisation are using SNOMED CT-AU and the AMT and find out more about uses. 

Phase 2: Plan

Step 2: Determine detailed requirements

Once you gain an understanding of the business drivers, you can start to determine detailed business, functional and non-functional requirements.

Step 3: Obtain a licence and explore data and tools

To help you gain a better understanding of SNOMED CT-AU and AMT:

• Explore SNOMED CT-AU and AMT content via the Shrimp terminology browser.
• Register for an account and get a license so you can access terminology content (top right of screen).
• Read introductory documents.

Step 4: Assess against requirements

Review documents to work out how SNOMED CT-AU and AMT can meet defined business, functional and non-functional requirements.

Phase 3. Design

Step 5: Considerations when designing

Many factors influence software design, including how the terminology will be implemented.

Step 6: Consider whether to adopt SNOMED CT-AU and AMT by:

• upgrading existing systems, or designing and developing your own bespoke terminology-enabled product
• adapting, procuring or subscribing to a third party terminology-enabled product.

Step 7. Terminology requirements and guidance

Run development and testing cycles to ensure the product meets all requirements prior to deployment for live use.

Phase 4. Deploy

Step 8. Deployment and change management

Undertake training and change management activities.

Phase 5. Use and improve

Step 9. Data maintenance

Regularly update terminology content to keep pace with the latest clinical content. SNOMED CT-AU and AMT updates are currently released monthly

Step 10. Technical content and user support

Access content, technical and implementation support through our Agency Help Centre. Submit a support request, email help@digitalhealth.gov.au or telephone 1300 901 001.

Step 11. Benefits tracking and capability roadmap

Measure the benefits your organisation has received since adopting SNOMED CT-AU.

Detailed guidance

Clinical Terminology Implementation Process and Checklist 

Support

We have 2 support groups for implementers that are currently inactive but are planned to be relaunched:

• Australian Clinical Terminology User Group (AuCT-UG – for SNOMED CT-AU implementers)
• AMT Support Group (for AMT implementers).

We plan to host 2 or 3 virtual get togethers per year for each group. These events will give implementers a chance to hear about the latest SNOMED CT-AU developments and ask questions.

If you’d like to join, contact help@digitalhealth.gov.au.