As the healthcare landscape evolves, technology and innovation continue transforming the diagnosis, treatment, and delivery of services. In this episode of Talking HealthTech, a diverse group of experts explore the potential of digital health and its impact during Digital Health Festival 2024 in Melbourne.
The podcast features insights from Mani Sahihi, Company Director & COO, Foxo; Dr Talat Uppal, Director, Womens Health Road; Nathan Moore, CEO, Frameless Interactive; Angela Ryan, Lead Healthcare Executive, JAPAC, Oracle Health; Dr Sean Stevens, General Practitioner / Clinic Owner & Director, Grove Medical; Kara Renee Burns, Digital Health Program Manager: Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne; and Amanda Bury, Chief Commercial Officer, Infermedica.
The Role of the Digital Health Festival in Fostering Collaboration
The Digital Health Festival assembles healthcare stakeholders to collaborate and innovate, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of ideas and solutions. Featuring top healthcare innovators, decision-makers, and advocates, the festival facilitates a fertile ground for partnerships that can drive substantial improvements in patient care.
The Value of Clinical Input in Technological Development
A collaborative approach between clinicians and the technology community is essential. Combining clinical insight with tech development before beta testing prevents resource wastage, and new technologies can better align with clinical practice. Clinician input in the development phase is crucial for technology to truly enhance patient care, as it ensures that the solutions are shaped by those who deeply understand clinical needs.
Harnessing Digital Tools to Close Gaps in Women's Health
Digital technology has a crucial role in closing gaps in women's health, particularly for those affected by heavy periods. By employing cloud-based medical record systems, patient engagement tools, and AI scribes, the practice aims to empower women and enhance patient engagement. Research involving 5,000 women found that 25% experience heavy periods often or always, yet half had not seen a GP due to cost and prioritisation issues. Greater confidence in embracing technology in healthcare is crucial, but accessibility and cost remain significant hurdles for women.
Incorporating AI for Service Improvement
Artificial intelligence offers extensive capabilities in healthcare, from productivity enhancement to communication skills practice and imaging interpretation. By automating scribing and other administrative tasks, AI enables clinicians to focus more on patient care. Yet, its use must be judicious and strategically placed, ensuring it addresses real pain points without adding unnecessary complexities. AI is a powerful tool, yet its potential can only be fully realised when deployed in the right areas of healthcare.
Innovative Approaches in Health Education and Training
Leveraging innovative technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence to train clinicians is a testament to the progressive shift in medical education. Training through VR and AI augments workforce productivity and improves healthcare providers' communication skills. AI in healthcare will not replace clinical roles but will augment and improve workflows when used responsibly.
Empowering Patients Through AI-Powered Symptom Assessment
The implementation of AI symptom assessment tools in Australia with health insurers enhances accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and patient convenience. By directing patients to the appropriate level of care, they also aim to reduce emergency department overutilisation. Patient education on the diverse benefits of healthcare technology is essential to mitigate emergency department overcrowding.
The Future of Telemedicine and Patient Access
There are significant opportunities to integrate telemedicine into the healthcare system, advocating for its equal treatment alongside in-person visits. Such integration can revolutionise patient access to care and bridge gaps caused by geographical and financial constraints. Telemedicine should seamlessly connect with other health records, optimising patient access and engagement at every digital touchpoint.
A Roadmap to Digital Health Equity
Ensuring equitable access to digital health tools is a key focus at the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health. Research into health equity highlights ways to create more inclusive healthcare systems by using digital innovations to benefit everyone in society. The future of healthcare depends on making sure no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
Bringing It All Together for a Healthier Future
It's clear that the integration of digital health technologies promises a healthier future by enhancing patient care, improving clinical workflows, and fostering greater health equity. These thought leaders from the Digital Health Festival have showcased the potential of innovation and collaboration in transforming healthcare. As we move forward, these healthcare trailblazers' collective insights and authentic efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically advanced healthcare landscape.