488 - Unpacking the value of digital health
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Professor Steven McPhail, Associate Professor Amina Tariq , and Dr. Sundresan "Sunny" Naicker, PhD from The Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) share their perspectives on the intersection of technology and healthcare, highlighting key concerns, system-wide approaches, regulatory hurdles, and the indispensable balance of human factors.
The Role of Implementation Science and Health Economics
Implementation science and health economics are crucial in successfully deploying digital health solutions. The AusHSI team utilises these fields to aid healthcare organisations in their digital transformation efforts. By providing a co-designed framework, they help manage new and existing technologies, ensuring that digital health solutions are both effective and sustainable in the long run.
System-wide Approach: Improving Healthcare Processes
Rather than replacing existing processes with potentially flawed technology, the aim should be to co-design healthcare systems that augment and enhance current practices. Integrating technology into healthcare requires a strong focus on clinical leadership, governance, and thorough assessment of cost-effectiveness and safety. Collaboration and a systems approach are essential to address misconceptions and achieve meaningful digital health improvements. This collaborative ethos resonates across all levels of healthcare innovation, from daily clinical operations to high-level strategic planning.
Key Concerns in Digital Health
The promise of digital health is vast, yet Steven warns against the common misconception that more predictive models and interruptive alerts automatically equate to patient benefits. In reality, these additions often fail to improve patient outcomes directly and can sometimes even hinder the care process. Instead, there is a need to focus on genuinely understanding the gaps in healthcare systems rather than implementing technology for technology’s sake.
The Behavioural Aspect of Healthcare
Sunny brings attention to the often-overlooked behavioural aspect of healthcare. Changing system behaviours and updating outdated practices are crucial for meaningful improvements in patient care. With rapid advancements in AI and machine learning, he highlights the need for healthcare professionals to keep pace with technological developments while maintaining strong governance, legislation, and standards to ensure safety and efficacy. Transparency, trust, and strong relationships are fundamental to improving health systems.
Regulatory and Governing Challenges in Digital Health
The rapid pace of AI and machine learning innovation can often outstrip the healthcare system’s capacities for decision-making and understanding emerging evidence. There is a pressing requirement to bridge the gap between rapid technological advancements and the slower-moving regulatory frameworks that aim to ensure these innovations are safe and effective.
Balancing Technology and Human Factors
Though the advancements in digital health are exciting, there is a clear consensus that technology should not overshadow the fundamental human elements of healthcare. Amina explains that healthcare organisations must mature digitally, while clinicians need frameworks to evaluate and trust new technologies. Her peers share her sentiment, underscoring the complexity of healthcare where technology should aid, not replace, human decision-making.
Digital Health's Impact on Patient Attendance and Resource Utilisation
Steven’s research highlights the potential of digital solutions to improve patient attendance at appointments through reminders and AI-informed scheduling. Enhancing resource utilisation in healthcare can lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare resources. However, the challenge remains in ensuring these digital solutions are implemented thoughtfully and effectively, with patient-centric outcomes at the forefront.
The Promise and Peril of AI in Healthcare
AI's application in fields like radiology demonstrates the promise of digital health, but it also comes with challenges. Sunny’s research on testing AI software in hospital radiology departments highlights issues related to sensitivity, specificity, and the integration of AI into existing workflows. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are literate in basic AI and machine learning concepts becomes imperative in this context, especially given the high-risk nature of clinical settings.
The Importance of Informal Interactions and Building Relationships
One cannot underestimate the role of informal interactions in fostering better outcomes in healthcare. Simple acts like having coffee with colleagues build relationships and trust. These interactions can lead to improved transparency and collaboration, which are essential for successfully implementing digital health initiatives.
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Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Healthcare
Advanced digital solutions offer considerable promise for improving patient care and streamlining processes, but they must be implemented thoughtfully and ethically. Collaboration and a systems-based approach are crucial for maximising the value of these technologies for both patients and healthcare providers.?
A shared vision to improve healthcare for consumers and clinicians alike fosters easier cooperation across various sectors. As we navigate the complexities of digital health, balancing innovation with human factors and robust governance will pave the way for a healthier future.
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The Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) is a leading research, education and consulting organisation with an unwavering commitment to improving the quality and value of healthcare services.
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2 个月Talking HealthTech excellent insight. A lot of AI tools work well in sandbox mode but clinical workflows are very different.
Change Leadership | Transformation | Performance Improvement | Capability Building
3 个月Really enjoyed this panel session. Thank you for sharing your insights, and great to see Amina Tariq on the screen again :)
Thanks for having us Talking HealthTech, great to explore the optimisation of digital transformation in healthcare with you.