As 2024 drew to a close, we took a moment to reflect onFuture Led and the community of digital health leaders created through this highly engaging series.
Held in the Liquid Brisbane studio, we bring together leaders, policymakers and innovators in a panel format. Together with an engaged audience, our speakers explore complex human problems and challenge the status quo, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas with a future-focussed lens.
We learn about the extraordinary work being done that is truly transforming peoples lives for good. In doing so, Future Led has forged a community of leaders dedicated to creating best possible futures.
A fresh start
We started this year with a new approach. Focussing on the challenges and opportunities in the Australian health system, we welcomed 21 expert speakers at the forefront of their field to share their insights.
The new era of healthcare
Signalling our intent, our first topic of 2024 delved into the evolving landscape of Australias healthcare system. This conversation centred on the integration of advanced technologies and the imperative of truly connected patient-centred care.
Dr Dimity Dornan, Founder and Chair at Bionics Gamechangers Australia, emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and education in transforming patient care. She advocated for the empowerment that comes from shared knowledge, stating: "This is the century for empowerment, and empowerment means being able to share our knowledge."
Dr James Fielding, Founder and CEO of Audeara, discussed the potential of translating high-cost, precision medicine into accessible technologies at scale. He highlighted the role of innovation in supporting a patient-centred model of care, noting that with new technologies, "you can create enough care opportunities using low-cost deployable tech to make [a person-centred care model] a reality."
Vivienne Neilan, Director of Innovation at the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) Agency, addressed the fragmented nature of patient care. She noted that participants often experience the trauma of repeatedly sharing their medical histories, underscoring the necessity for improved communication among healthcare professionals to empower patients and enhance their experience.
Dr John Tellam, Emergency Department Senior House Officer and Transformation Advisor at Queensland Health, highlighted the evolving role of doctors as translators between technical medical information and patient understanding. He stressed the need for communication tailored to individual health literacy levels to ensure effective patient-centred care.
The panel acknowledged the challenges posed by chronic diseases, an aging population, and inequitable access to health services, and that by integrating technologies such as quantum medicine, robotics, AI, synthetic biology and digital therapeutics into healthcare systems can significantly enhance patient outcomes.
