456 - Implementing the national digital health strategy

Talking HealthTech

Content and community about technology in healthcare.

发布日期: 2024年7月25日

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Lara Spence , Founder and Managing Director of Digivate Health , and Lindsey Gough , an experienced healthcare executive of the public health system and Executive Advisor at Digivate Health , discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with the digital transformation in healthcare. Host Peter Birch facilitates a discussion on the importance of innovation, technology integration , and the need to rethink traditional healthcare models.

About Digivate Health?

Digivate Health combines clinical capability, technical expertise, and strategic commercial focus to address industry challenges and embrace digital transformation. Their team’s unique composition allows them to create sustainable solutions tailored to the diverse needs of their clients.

Their approach has received positive feedback from the market, indicating significant demand for their innovative and hybrid solutions. Such models can serve as blueprints for other organisations looking to navigate the complexities of healthcare digitalisation.

Redesigning Healthcare Facilities for the Future

In light of the recent pandemic , the need for innovative thinking in the design of healthcare facilities has never been more apparent. Lara and Lindsey emphasise that the traditional brick-and-mortar approach needs to evolve. They highlight the success of virtual healthcare services for families with sick children during the pandemic as a testament to the potential of integrating technology into healthcare facility designs. This adaptability ensures continuous care during crises and opens up new avenues for care delivery in the long term.

For instance, virtual consultations have proven to be exceptionally valuable for families, reducing the need for travel and face-to-face interactions. Such models could be incredibly beneficial in the design of future healthcare facilities, ensuring that technology and physical infrastructure work hand-in-hand to deliver optimal care.

Seamless Technology Integration

By drawing a parallel to public transport systems, technology in healthcare should "just work" without drawing attention to itself. This invisibility is crucial for fostering high adoption rates among healthcare professionals who are often inundated with cumbersome administrative tasks.

The introduction of user-friendly and intuitive digital solutions can have a significant impact on patient care and operational efficiencies. A well-integrated system allows clinicians to focus more on patient care rather than navigating complex technological interfaces, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.

Effective Implementation and Maximising Benefits

Lindsey stresses the importance of healthcare systems effectively implementing new technologies to maximise their benefits. Simple adoption isn't enough; there must be a concerted effort to leverage these tools to their full potential. Lara chimes in, advocating for a problem-first approach where the solutions are meticulously matched to the issues at hand, followed by rigorous evaluation of their impact.

This approach ensures that investments in digital and tech solutions are justified and yield tangible benefits. Starting with a clear understanding of the problems faced by healthcare providers and patients allows for targeted and impactful technological interventions.

Measuring Technology Success

Accurate metrics and evaluations can help identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement, offering a clear roadmap for future innovations. By focusing on measurable outcomes, healthcare providers can ensure that the technologies they adopt contribute positively to their operational goals and enhance patient care. Continuous assessment and fine-tuning are essential for maintaining the efficacy of these digital tools.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

With a growing demand for healthcare services, there's an urgent need for technology to alleviate pressure off the existing workforce and improve the overall quality of care. Solutions like automation and AI can help streamline administrative tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on direct patient care.

The development and implementation of efficiency and productivity tools can significantly impact the workload of healthcare providers, making their jobs more manageable and reducing burnout levels.

Challenges of Healthcare Data

Interoperability and data sharing present ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector. Lara points out that difficulties in sharing data , such as with electronic discharge summaries, impede the seamless flow of information across different systems. Effective data management and interoperability ensure that healthcare providers have access to comprehensive patient information, enabling better-informed decisions and continuity of care.

Empowering Patients with Digital Health

Lindsey highlights the importance of empowering patients to take charge of their care pathways using digital applications. Healthcare systems can foster a more proactive and engaged patient population by providing patients with the right tools and information. This empowerment is crucial for improving health outcomes and enhancing patient satisfaction.

Digital health tools that offer self-management capabilities, access to medical records, and personalised health insights can transform the patient experience , making healthcare more accessible and patient-centred.

Breaking Down the National Digital Health Strategy

The National Digital Health Strategy serves as a guiding force for digital health in Australia. While the strategy is comprehensive, Lara points out that its implementation varies across different levels of maturity and states. This strategy needs to be broken down into practical initiatives, progress must be measured, and efforts must be coordinated to ensure success. By focusing on practical steps and clear roadmaps, healthcare providers can better navigate the complexities of digital health investments and build confidence in these initiatives.

Broader Healthcare Challenges

The discussion also explores broader challenges within the healthcare system beyond the emergency department. It highlights the need for government collaboration to address these challenges in Australia and globally. Equity of access remains a significant issue, particularly in remote communities where healthcare services are often limited. Developing virtual care models can provide remote populations with much-needed access to healthcare services, breaking down geographical barriers and ensuring equity of care.

The Importance of Human-Centred Healthcare

While there is a global shortage of clinical personnel, it's crucial to focus on how technology can support and enhance the capabilities of the existing workforce rather than replace them. Technology should act as an enabler, facilitating better care rather than adding to the complexity of healthcare delivery. Healthcare systems can make more meaningful and effective use of digital health tools by focusing on patient outcomes and caregiver support.

Slow Adoption of Technology

The need for technology to be as invisible as possible is crucial for ensuring high adoption rates. Overly complex or cumbersome solutions can deter healthcare professionals from using them effectively, impacting their overall success. Invisibility in this context means creating solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows and are intuitive to use, reducing the learning curve and ensuring smooth adoption.

Opportunities in Digital Health

Lara identifies the top three opportunities in digital health: efficiency and productivity tools, remote patient monitoring, and alternative models of care. These areas offer significant potential for transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.

Efficiency tools can streamline operations, remote patient monitoring can provide continuous care outside of traditional settings, and alternative care models can offer more flexible and accessible healthcare options.

A Partnership for Sustainable Growth

Sustainable partnerships with external consultants can help upskill internal capabilities, ensuring knowledge retention and long-term success. Honest conversations and education within the consulting industry are essential to support clients better and maximise the benefits of digital investments. This collaborative approach can drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector.

Passion and Excitement in Healthcare

Despite the challenges, there's passion and excitement in the healthcare industry about the potential impact of technology. Pete acknowledges these challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a considered approach and collaboration with key partners. This enthusiasm drives the ongoing efforts to innovate and improve healthcare delivery, showcasing the industry's resilience and commitment to better patient outcomes.

Achieving Digital Health Maturity

The digital maturity assessment evaluates domains such as governance, security, capability, risk, funding, business case elements, and operating models. Organisations need to clearly understand their current state and areas for improvement to navigate the digital transformation journey effectively. Healthcare providers can build momentum towards achieving digital health maturity by measuring progress and focusing on impactful initiatives.

Looking Ahead: Uncharted Potential in Healthcare Innovation

The insights Lara, Lindsey, and Pete shared highlight the need for a coordinated and thoughtful approach to digital health investments. Embracing these innovations can drive significant improvements in healthcare delivery, efficiency, and patient outcomes.?

With a focus on practical steps, clear roadmaps, and continuous evaluation, the future of healthcare holds immense potential, promising a more efficient, equitable, and patient-centred system. As we navigate this transformative journey, collaboration and a shared commitment to improvement will be key to unlocking the full potential of healthcare innovation.

Related Companies

Digivate Health proudly collaborates with medical and healthcare organisations Australia-wide, empowering positive transformations and resolving challenges through unparalleled expertise as the leading provider of personalised and specialised health advisory services in the industry.