Australian Framework for National Clinical Quality Registries

Summary

Australia’s national clinical quality registries (CQRs) play a unique and vital role in Australia’s health system, contributing to ongoing improvements in the safety and quality of care.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care in has released the revised Australian Framework for National Clinical Quality Registries (2024) to support and encourage the use of data to inform clinical practice and policy.

By fostering the timely sharing of health information and adopting best practices, this Framework aims to reduce risks and improve patient outcomes.

Content

The Framework supports CQRs in collecting, analysing, and reporting clinical data, to maximise the value of Australia’s clinical data. It aligns with the Australian Government’s National Strategy for Clinical Quality Registries and Virtual Registries 2020–2030, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes across Australia.

What’s new about the Framework:

• Emphasises the role CQRs play in driving improvements across the health system.
• Practical guidance on CQR governance.
• Quality Standard for CQRs and self-assessment checklists.

First released in 2014, the Commission developed the Framework to provide best-practice guidance for establishing and operating CQRs. Over 120 clinical registries are now listed on the Australian Register of Clinical Registries.