Personalised health plans in Australia are clinician-led records of agreed goals, care options, actions and review points. They are not generic wellness promises or guarantees of a particular result. This article provides general information current to 9 August 2026 and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
What makes a health plan personalised?
A useful plan starts with the person rather than a pre-set program. The patient and clinician discuss the health issue, relevant history, medicines, allergies, daily circumstances, preferences and what the patient wants to achieve. They then consider clinically appropriate options, including the benefits, harms and uncertainties of each option.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care describes this process as shared decision making. Its Ask Share Know guidance encourages patients to ask about their options, share what matters to them and understand the proposed decision.
A plan may record:
- the health concern being addressed
- specific and realistic goals
- agreed medicines, tests, referrals or self-management actions
- important safety advice and warning signs
- who is responsible for each action
- when progress will be reviewed
The content depends on the condition and care setting. It may be a single document or information recorded across clinical notes, referrals and medicine records.
Prepare for the planning appointment
Bring information that helps the clinician make a safe assessment:
- your current symptoms and when they began
- your medical and family history where relevant
- all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements
- allergies and previous adverse reactions
- recent test results, specialist letters or discharge summaries
- the practical outcome you hope to achieve
- any cost, work, caring, cultural or accessibility factors that affect your options
Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine solely to fit a plan. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist before making a medicine change.
Set goals that can be reviewed
A goal should describe a meaningful outcome and how progress will be recognised. Depending on the clinical issue, that may involve symptom frequency, a measured health indicator, function or the ability to complete a daily activity. The goal also needs a review date.
The Commission's guidance on decisions about care says goals of care should reflect both the clinical situation and what matters to the patient. A clinician may recommend changing the goal or care option if new information shows that the original approach is unsafe, ineffective or no longer suitable.
Where telehealth fits
Some planning and review appointments can be conducted by video or telephone. Telehealth may reduce travel and can support continuity, but it is not suitable for every presentation. The Medical Board of Australia's telehealth guidelines require doctors to assess whether telehealth remains clinically appropriate and arrange in-person care when needed.
Before booking, ask:
- whether the appointment is by video, telephone or in person
- what records should be supplied in advance
- the fee and whether any Medicare rebate applies
- how the written plan and follow-up arrangements will be provided
- what to do if symptoms worsen before review
A telehealth consultation does not guarantee a prescription, certificate, referral or particular treatment. Those decisions depend on the clinician's assessment and applicable professional and legal requirements.
Review and update the plan
At review, compare what happened with the agreed goals. Record benefits, problems, side effects, barriers and any new diagnoses or medicines. A sound review can confirm the plan, revise it or replace it with a different clinically appropriate approach.
Seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for a planned review if symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or suggest an emergency. In Australia, call Triple Zero (000) for an emergency.
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