In January 2023, the MedicineWise (MWA) and Doctor’s Bag (DBA) mobile applications were transitioned from the former NPS MedicineWise to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission).
The Commission has conducted a review of both apps to assess:
- the uptake of the apps by consumers, carers and clinicians
- the utility of the apps
- the resources required to maintain the apps
- quality, safety and privacy risks
- alternate products available in the market
Key findings relating to the MWA were that usage and retention of the app were low, the value proposition is not unique nor competitive and that the effort required to maintain safety, quality, and privacy are significant, when considered in proportion to the low number of active users.
Key findings relating to the DBA were that usage was low and those users reported limited value in the DBA, as General Practitioner’s typically referred to published guidelines when verifying dosages and administrative requirements.
Based on the findings of this review the Commission has made the decision to decommission both mobile applications at 12pm AEDT, Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
The MWA will no longer have full functionality on users’ devices after the discontinuation date. Communications have been sent directly to users of the MWA along with guidance on how to find alternate products and instructions on how they can download or remove their data.
Although users of the DBA will be able to continue to use the app as it is native to the device, it is not recommended given the information provided in the app will no longer be updated.
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, WentWest, Western Sydney Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.