475 - Modernising healthcare for connected care
As healthcare evolves, integrating technology and innovation reshapes how services are delivered. In this episode of Talking HealthTech , Peter Birch discusses with Farhoud Salimi , Chief Technology Officer at Telstra Health ; Angie Bass, MHA , Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer at Velatura Public Benefit Corporation ; and James Agnew, Chief Technology Officer at Smile Digital Health about how health data interoperability , policy, AI, and digital advancements contribute to more connected, efficient healthcare systems.
The Importance of Health Data Interoperability
Health data interoperability remains a pivotal aspect of modern healthcare. The ability of different systems to communicate seamlessly ensures that patient data can be accessed across various platforms and geographic locations. It is essential to provide interoperability solutions to all healthcare providers, regardless of size or remoteness. Systems like Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) are critical, enabling better data sharing and improved patient outcomes.
Building consensus is crucial for data governance; collaboration among stakeholders is necessary to set up effective data exchanges. The example of four HIEs in Missouri working together to secure state Medicaid funding showcases how such partnerships can enhance healthcare services for Medicaid beneficiaries and the broader public health sector.
Navigating Policy and Technological Advancements
The gap between current policies and the capabilities offered by technology is evident. While AI can bridge several gaps, there remains a significant need for advancements in healthcare policies to ensure patient data becomes as portable as financial data . Angie envisions a future driven by consumer expectations and AI, where health data mobility is seamlessly integrated, enhancing patient care.
AI might help bridge the gap and enhance patient-driven data sharing. This highlights the potential of AI in making health data more accessible and manageable. There is a pressing need for policies that support such technological prowess, ensuring a more consumer-driven future in healthcare.
Transformative Period for HealthTech Entrepreneurs
The healthcare landscape is burgeoning with opportunities for entrepreneurs. James discusses how signal processing innovations and well-structured data availability create fertile ground for new ventures. He mentions the role of FHIR, SNOMED, and LOINC standards in propelling healthcare technology forward. He comments that this period is an exciting time for entrepreneurs in the healthtech space, focusing on opportunities to enhance patient care.
The democratisation of APIs and data has opened new avenues for startups to develop innovative solutions that transform how healthcare providers and patients interact. The entrepreneurial spirit within the healthtech community is driving significant advancements, aiming to meet rising consumer demands and improve overall health outcomes.
Data Fabric Platforms and Connected Ecosystems
Farhoud discusses the practical implementation of data fabric platforms, which modernise older products and create a seamless API landscape. These platforms consist of an FHIR facade, clinical data repositories, and platform modernisation, which is essential for achieving interoperability and real-time analytics . Using a strategic approach over a technical-only solution addresses multiple interconnected issues.
The vision of building a connected ecosystem highlights the complexity of transitioning from paper to digital systems, emphasising the need for collaboration among technical teams, clinicians, and patients. Training and engaging all parties are crucial to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation of these digital systems.
Building Trust and Addressing Security Challenges
Trust and security are paramount in health data management. Health data is highly personal, and protecting this information is crucial. Secure and user-friendly systems that give patients control over their data build trust and enhance transparency. Health data is highly personal; robust security measures are essential to protect patient information.
Another critical area is addressing the regulatory, privacy, and security challenges specific to different jurisdictions. Whether in the US, UK, or Australia, the landscape differs significantly, making it essential for healthtech solutions to adapt to local regulations while maintaining high security standards.
Empowering Patients Through Technology
Involving patients in their healthcare is vital for improved health outcomes. Patients can play an active role in managing their health with better access to personal health information. Smart health links and QR codes enhance health data portability and allow individuals to share information easily. Empowering patients through better access to personal health information is transformative for healthcare.
This patient-mediated approach ensures health data is accessible in unplanned care scenarios worldwide, allowing patients to control their health information actively. This shift towards patient empowerment aligns with the broader vision of a more consumer-driven healthcare system.
Aligning with Global Health Information Standards
Achieving global interoperability in health data requires adherence to standards like FHIR. James discusses the evolution of HIEs from merely replacing old communication methods to becoming intelligent networks of structured data . This advance has the potential to revolutionise health data usage worldwide, offering significant benefits for research, clinical practice, and healthcare delivery.
The International Patient Summary (IPS) initiative represents a step towards global health data sharing, providing helpful health information across borders. HIEs should not just replace old systems; they must foster innovation and support research. Such frameworks ensure that health data is universally accessible and usable, contributing to global health outcomes.
Addressing the Scalability of Health Data Systems
Building scalable systems is crucial with the exponential growth of data generated yearly, particularly in healthcare. HIEs must handle vast amounts of data to remain effective. The importance of building scalable HIE systems cannot be overstated, given the exponential increase in data in healthcare.
Scalability ensures that health data systems continue to perform optimally, accommodating the growing volume of data and maintaining high service delivery standards. This approach enables healthcare providers to leverage data effectively for better decision-making and patient care.
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The Role of Research and Innovation
Research forms the backbone of health technology advancements. Laying the groundwork for innovative thinking and technological expansion is essential for progress. Farhoud reflects on the potential of digital avatars and the integration of AI and IoT devices in healthcare. Research is foundational for technology to thrive, fostering a landscape ripe for innovation.
The continuous development of research initiatives, such as the Sparked FHIR Accelerator and My Health Record modernisation in Australia, supports the standardisation of data and technology. These efforts aim to achieve personalised and precision medicine , contributing to the overall healthtech ecosystem.
Forward-Looking Strategies for Healthcare
Pete highlights the need for a balanced approach to modernising health systems, integrating technology without overwhelming existing infrastructure. Collaboration and leveraging existing capabilities are pivotal in achieving efficient solutions. Balancing technological potential with sensitive data regulations is challenging yet necessary.
Telstra’s strategic approach to platform modernisation and data integration underscores the importance of comprehensively addressing technical, regulatory, and user engagement challenges. This holistic view ensures that digital healthcare ecosystems are robust and capable of supporting the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.
The Vision for Future Healthcare
Both Angie and James share a vision of a future where patient data is secure and easily accessible. They imagine a healthcare environment that leverages technological advances to provide better, more personalised care. Farhoud adds to the discussion, introducing the concept of a connected care ecosystem, where patient information flows seamlessly across different care settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The future of healthcare is about making health data just as portable as financial data . This vision underscores the need for continuous improvement in data governance and interoperable systems that facilitate patient-centred care. Integrating AI, IoT devices, and digital avatars could enhance healthcare services by offering proactive management based on integrated health data .
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Telstra Health provides technology solutions that connect healthcare providers with patients and each other.
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