402 - Digital Health Curiosity Camp: Part 1

In this special two part series of Talking HealthTech , we focus on healthcare research and systemic change in these two discussions with Jade Barclay and Dale Trevor , who offer diverse perspectives on patient advocacy, equity in clinical trials and healthcare innovation.?

The setting for these discussions is Crackenback, NSW, where Peter Birch joined digital health researchers, industry experts, patient advocates, and other healthcare stakeholders at the Digital Health CRC Curiosity Camp. This is the first part of a two-episode series.

Challenges in Current Healthcare Research

Jade Barclay highlighted a significant issue in the realm of healthcare research: the lack of representativeness in clinical research samples. These samples often fail to encompass the diversity of clinical realities, particularly neglecting severely affected individuals and those with multiple health conditions. This limitation raises concerns about the generalisability of research findings and underscores the necessity for incorporating a diverse range of participants in research.

Bridging the Divide Between Research and Patient Experience

Dale Trevor focused on the essential shift needed in healthcare research methodologies. The formation of multi-disciplinary teams can provide broader support for clinicians and better align patient expectations with clinical outcomes. Such an approach is pivotal in ensuring that healthcare research is reflective of the diverse and complex nature of real-world patient experiences.

Systemic Changes Required in Healthcare

There is also a critical need for systemic changes within the healthcare industry. With an increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, Jade Barclay underscored the importance of addressing the limitations of the current healthcare system. Potential strategies, such as extending the duration of general practitioner appointments, could improve healthcare equity and effectiveness.

The Role of Collaboration in Healthcare Improvement

Collaboration and community networks have the potential to be a driving change within healthcare systems. Research projects incorporating a wide range of knowledge and expertise could significantly improve patient outcomes, illustrating the importance of collaborative efforts in healthcare innovation.

The Impact of Consumer-Led Healthcare Innovation

An important aspect of modern healthcare innovation is the concept of consumer-led initiatives. Dale Trevor shared insights from his personal journey, advocating for the inclusion of consumers and patients in the healthcare design process. His experiences highlight the transformative potential of integrating diverse perspectives and lived experiences in shaping the future of healthcare.