In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch engages with Phil Baskerville, Digital Project Director for New Dunedin Hospital, Dan Owen, Director of Health at NTT DATA, and Rachel Wolfe, Chief Customer Officer at Five Faces.
The discussion offers insights into the innovative integration of digital technology in healthcare, highlighting efforts at the New Dunedin Hospital in the outpatient setting.
This episode was recorded during Digital Health Week NZ 2024, hosted by HiNZ.
Transforming Healthcare with Digital Innovation
The healthcare industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by digital innovation. This episode's discussion centred on leveraging technology to enhance patient care, streamline hospital operations, and improve overall healthcare outcomes. Dan shared a powerful sentiment that reflects this transformations core: smart hospitals are not just about IoT and trackers but increasing the patient experience through great digital experiences.
New Dunedin Hospital and the Digital Pathway
Phil discusses the construction of the New Dunedin Hospital, emphasising the importance of creating a repeatable platform for future hospital builds. This initiative aims to establish a standardised approach that can be replicated easily, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
The outpatient building at the New Dunedin Hospital is a significant project encompassing 15,000 square meters, of which 10,000 are dedicated to clinical floor space. This massive facility is designed to handle a considerable volume of patient traffic daily, facilitating various medical appointments, including radiology, orthopaedic check-ins, and physiotherapy.
Improving Patient Flow and Reducing Wait Times
Phil highlights the critical challenge of improving patient flow within the facility. By utilising advanced digital technology, the hospital aims to optimise appointment scheduling, ensure timely patient arrivals, and enhance overall efficiency. The aspiration is to move people throughout the building quickly, respect their time, and significantly reduce wait times.
The strategic implementation of Wi-Fi and other network systems is pivotal in this endeavour. The hospital has location-grade Wi-Fi to monitor medical equipment and prevent delays caused by missing or unavailable apparatus. This digital infrastructure is foundational to the hospital's operations, ensuring smooth and timely clinical procedures.
Global Trends in Smart Hospitals
Dan offers a global perspective on the role of digital technology in modern healthcare facilities. He shares insights from their experience in various countries, noting that smart hospitals focus on delivering superior patient experiences and operational efficiencies. Dan reveals that 57% of IT spending in healthcare globally is going towards hospitals, highlighting the significant investment in advancing hospital technology and infrastructure.
Integrating Wi-Fi networks and digital tools, such as Five Faces' digital front door, exemplifies the shift towards interconnected care. These innovations enhance patient and clinician experiences, creating a more efficient and responsive healthcare environment.
Patient Expectations and Technological Adaptation
As healthcare continues to evolve, patient expectations are also shifting. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital services, fundamentally changing how patients interact with healthcare systems. People now expect modern services like SMS reminders and the ability to choose their own appointments.
The challenge lies in maintaining and expanding these digital services to meet the evolving needs of patients. Transitioning from pandemic-era digital tools to long-term healthcare strategies is essential in meeting patient expectations for efficiency and convenience. This shift underscores the importance of leveraging existing digital foundations, such as My Health Account in New Zealand, to enhance patient engagement and streamline healthcare delivery.
Leveraging Technology for Equitable Healthcare
Rachel addresses the crucial aspect of accessibility in digital healthcare solutions. It is vital to develop systems that support all patients, regardless of their tech-savvy or familiarity with digital tools. Rachel emphasises that even if patients enter a digital facility and choose not to engage with digital, they can still have the same amazing experience.
Ensuring inclusivity means providing various options for patient engagement. Whether patients check in via a digital app or prefer face-to-face interactions at a counter, the goal is to offer everyone a seamless, supportive experience. This approach is integral in creating a patient-centric healthcare environment that does not alienate any population segment.
Cultural Integration in Digital Healthcare
The cultural narrative is an essential consideration in developing digital pathways in healthcare. Phil speaks about integrating local dialects and languages into the digital tools used at the New Dunedin Hospital. This initiative acknowledges the cultural significance of the hospital's location and aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients.
This approach ensures that the digital transformation in healthcare is not just about technological advancements but also about respecting and preserving cultural identities. It helps build trust and comfort among patients, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Building the Future: From Prototype to Implementation
The path to creating a fully digital hospital involves meticulous planning and testing. Phil explains the process of commissioning a design facility where every piece of technology intended for the outpatient building is tested and prototyped. This rigorous process allows for adjustments and enhancements, ensuring the final implementation is efficient and effective.
The design facility serves as a critical testing ground for various stakeholders, including clinicians, administrative staff, and members of the public. By simulating the hospital environment, this facility provides valuable feedback and insights essential for refining the digital systems before full deployment.
Collaboration and Partnership in Healthcare Innovation
Rachel underscores the value of collaboration over competition. This collaborative approach involves working with specialised partners to address specific challenges within the healthcare system. For instance, partnering with wayfinding experts ensures patients can easily navigate the hospital, enhancing their overall experience. By leveraging the strengths of various partners, healthcare providers can deliver more comprehensive and effective solutions.
Enhancing Patient Care through Digital Integration
The journey towards a fully digital hospital is ongoing, with continuous advancements and iterations. As Phil mentions, the following steps involve further testing, gathering feedback, and refining the digital systems to ensure they meet the community's needs. The goal is to open the outpatient building with confidence, knowing that it offers a state-of-the-art, efficient, and patient-centred experience.
This commitment to inclusivity and excellence is a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders involved in the project.
Aspiring to a Connected Healthcare Future
As the conversation in this episode illustrates, integrating digital technology in healthcare is not merely about adopting new tools but fundamentally transforming how healthcare is delivered. The collaborative efforts at the New Dunedin Hospital exemplify a forward-thinking approach that prioritises patient experience, operational efficiency, and cultural sensitivity.