The intersection of healthcare and technology continues to shape the future of patient care and operational efficiency. In a recent episode of Talking HealthTech with host Peter Birch, recorded at Digital Health Week in Hamilton New Zealand, Jane Prowse and Nicole Hosking shed light on the innovative solution developed by the team at FiveP to revolutionise communication within Austin Health.
Understanding the Challenge: The Complexities of Healthcare Communication
Nicole Hosking, the Operations Director for Radiology and Molecular Imaging and Therapy at Austin Health, initiated the development of the Baret role-based communicator app by identifying a significant problem within the healthcare landscape. She observed the cumbersome and inefficient communication system that healthcare staff navigated in their daily operations. The system was plagued by the challenges of locating specific roles and individuals in a 24/7 working environment, as well as managing multiple communication methods simultaneously, leading to a lack of accuracy and efficiency.
"We had an overly complex system for our staff to navigate on a daily basis, making it really hard for them to perform accurate and quick communication across the 24/7 time continuum." - Nicole Hosking
Evidently, the existing communication methods were inadequate to meet the complex needs of the healthcare environment, prompting the need for a transformative solution.
Collaboration and Innovation: The FiveP-Microsoft Partnership
FiveP, a Microsoft partner based in Melbourne, Australia, emerged as the collaborative force behind the development of the Baret product. As Jane Prowse, the CTO of FiveP, highlighted, the partnership with Microsoft played a pivotal role in providing the technological foundation for the creation of the Baret app. The strategic alliance with Microsoft culminated in the prestigious recognition of being named the global partner of the year for frontline workers in 2023.
This collaboration underscored the shared commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare communication and operational efficiency.
Baret: A Ground-Up Solution
The development of the Baret app itself was deeply rooted in the clinical reality, informed by the direct input and insights from frontline healthcare staff. This ground-up approach ensured that the app was designed to address the specific challenges and priorities of clinical workers, streamlining their workflows and simplifying communication processes. An emphasis on reducing complexity and ensuring ease of use underscored the app's development process, aligning it closely with the needs of healthcare professionals.
"It's built from the ground up, led by the team at Austin Health, with inputs from frontline staff and clinical experts to truly understand their needs and challenges." - Jane Prowse
The engagement with clinical staff and the subsequent incorporation of their feedback reinforced the app's practicality and relevance in addressing real-world communication challenges within the healthcare setting.
Implementation and Impact: Overcoming Resistance and Realising Success
Implementing a new technology solution within a bustling hospital environment, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, presented its own set of hurdles. Nicole Hosking shared insights into this process, emphasising the significance of prioritising the objectives and feedback of clinical staff. The success of the Baret app was attributed to its seamless integration with existing technologies, its ability to replace multiple communication methods, and its capacity to garner buy-in from the clinical workforce.
The success of the app's initial rollout, with over 7,000 clinical staff utilising it and the processing of over 65,000 clinical communications monthly, highlighted its profound impact on transforming healthcare communication.
Future Directions: Towards Seamless Interoperability and Enhanced Insights
Looking to the future, the vision for the Baret app extends beyond the confines of internal hospital communication, with a focus on enhancing interoperability with other health platforms and expanding its scope to include external networks. Furthermore, the emphasis on leveraging emerging technologies and harnessing the insights derived from the data collected by the app underscores the commitment to continuous innovation and improvement.
The Baret app is an evolving solution aligned with the dynamic landscape of healthcare technology.
A Transformational Approach to Healthcare Communication
The journey of the Baret app is an example of a transformative approach to resolving critical communication challenges within the complex healthcare environment. Rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of frontline clinical needs, the development and implementation of the Baret app is a demonstration of the power of technology in revolutionising healthcare communication.
As healthcare continues to embrace the possibilities of technology, the Baret app provides a glimpse into a future where seamless communication enhances patient care and empowers healthcare professionals to navigate their roles with greater efficiency and effectiveness.