The 11th Annual Victorian Healthcare Week recently hosted a multitude of healthcare and technology experts in Melbourne, Australia. This event brought together leaders and professionals from various sectors of the healthcare industry, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and networking opportunities. During the event, Sophie Turner from Talking HealthTech had a number of discussions with a range of speakers who featured on the Digital Health Stage, capturing the essence of the future of hospitals and aged care homes.
The Setting of Victorian Healthcare Week
Victorian Healthcare Week is a pivotal event in the calendar where healthcare professionals and technology experts converge to explore the future of healthcare delivery. It’s a place for sharing innovative ideas, fostering collaboration, and steering the healthcare industry towards transformative practices that benefit patients and healthcare providers.
The Digital Health Stage
During Victorian Healthcare Week, Peter Birch from Talking HealthTech chaired the digital health stage, and as those speakers came off the stage they dropped by the Talking HealthTech booth for an exclusive interview with Sophie Turner, for this podcast episode today. Those discussions brought to the fore an array of topics, offering a glimpse into the latest advancements and initiatives shaping the healthcare landscape.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Healthcare
The need for digital health standards in Australia took centre stage during the event, with Grahame Grieve advocating for active participation in “Sparked”, a revolutionary initiative led by the Commonwealth Government. He urged individuals to engage in activities such as teleconferences and face-to-face meetings, emphasising the significance of digital health standards in addressing healthcare challenges.
Powering Healthcare in Rural and Remote Communities
Nickola Allan, CEO of Maryborough District Health Service, shed light on the disparities between rural and metropolitan healthcare systems. She emphasised the importance of interoperability and trust in data sharing, advocating for consistency in language and collaborative policymaking to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility.
"Collaboration and trust are paramount in addressing the healthcare disparities between rural and metropolitan areas." - Nickola Allan
Revolutionising Patient Care with Continuous Monitoring
Tim Bowles, Head of Department at HIVE Royal Perth Hospital, delved into the innovative approach of continuous patient monitoring using AI and telehealth solutions. The implementation of the HIVE program enables proactive and real-time monitoring, paving the way for early detection of patient changes and improved patient outcomes.
Empowering the Healthcare Workforce for Digital Enablement
Rebecca Meynell, Director of Health Workforce Strategy for the Victorian Department of Health, underscored the importance of equipping the healthcare workforce for digitally enabled care models. She emphasised the need for digital literacy, data privacy, and building trust in new technologies to facilitate a seamless transition towards a digitally enabled environment.
Catalysing Healthcare Information Exchange
Cody Johansen, Director of Technology for HealtHIE Nevada, delved into the significance of healthcare information exchange (HIE) services and event notifications in Nevada and the United States. His insights shed light on the pivotal role of digital platforms in enabling innovative healthcare delivery and catalysing transformation in pharmacy services.
Harnessing the Patient Voice in Digital Health
Amy McKimm, Chief Digital Health Officer at Alfred Health, highlighted the profound impact of respecting and incorporating consumer feedback in digital health. Her emphasis on the significance of patient voices in driving staff buy-in, innovation, and change efforts embodies a progressive shift towards patient-centric care practices.
"Incorporating consumer feedback creates strong relationships and fosters patient-centric care in digital health." - Amy McKimm
Transforming Pharmacy Services with Virtual Solutions
Brett Chambers, Director of Virtual Pharmacy at Western NSW LHD, discussed the challenges of delivering pharmacy services in remote locations and the pivotal role of virtual pharmacy programs in providing clinical care to inpatients. His insights showcased the transformative potential of digital solutions in expanding healthcare access and delivery.
The robust discussions and insightful revelations from Victorian Healthcare Week 2023 underscore the pivotal role of digital transformation in revolutionising healthcare. The collective efforts of industry experts, healthcare leaders, and technology innovators echo a resounding call for collaboration, digital enablement, and patient-centred care practices, steering the healthcare industry towards a transformative future.
