There’s no denying that healthcare in Australia is currently going through a tricky period, with the care of healthcare professionals and patients both coming under scrutiny. With the Federal Election just round the corner, we’ve seen the usual rhetoric as political leaders jostle for column inches and voters’ attention by making a sleuth of health-focused pledges. However, while much of what’s been proposed is admirable and certainly appears to be on the right path, technology within the sector is continually overlooked, to its detriment.
It’s clear in my position that something needs to change, last week’s doctor strikes compiled with the proposed mass walkout of psychiatrists in NSW, suggest that all is not right within the system. A lot has been made of it being purely a financial matter but I’m afraid if you dig deeper there’s far more that needs addressing.
Many clinicians are overwhelmed and a lot of it is to do with outdated and unintegrated systems that aren’t supporting their management of patients, resulting in additional time and administrative pressures, on top of increasing patient care issues. They are tasked with managing increasingly complex and high volumes of patients and their mental and emotional health is frequently neglected – the pressure to deliver quality care with limited resources and fragmented information is taking a significant toll on healthcare providers, resulting in many simply walking away.
Technology is often mentioned within the healthcare industry – from telehealth capabilities through to advanced robotics for surgery – with many viewing tech as being an incredible potential leveller for regional communities’ access to healthcare. While I certainly do not disagree with any of this and applaud some of the innovations being brought to our industry, I am still surprised at the lack of digital transformation desired and discussed in many healthcare institutions.
Our industry can be reticent for change but we’re now reaching a critical juncture where change is going to be forced upon organisations and individuals whether they like it or not. Technology should absolutely be talked about as a saviour for the current plight the industry is in and not just any old technology, but homegrown technology that’s specifically-designed for our unique healthcare system. I say this off the back of NSW Health spending over $1 billion on a US-made Electronic Medical Record system, despite clinician concerns that it’s being rushed, isn’t fit for purpose, and could risk patient safety. A costly incorrect decision, especially when more tailored and advanced technology is available on these shores.
A solution to ease some of the pressures being faced in the industry is the development of systems that allow patients to capture and share ongoing self-assessments, improving communication with clinicians and streamlining care. Such systems would enable patients to track their own progress and adhere to treatment protocols, while clinicians could use this data to provide more personalised care. In turn, carers could be engaged to support the patient’s well-being, ensuring a more holistic approach to treatment.
It’s these technology solutions that need to be carefully considered in trying to move the industry forward. Systems and processes when it comes to administrative tasks underpin what those working in the industry are trying to do – the idea of institutions still operating with pen and paper systems would be funny, if it wasn’t true.
Our clinicians need greater support, Australians need a better standard of care – Australian developed technology should be playing a huge role in helping to achieve both these things. It’s time for the rhetoric to stop and tangible actions to be taken – it is broke, so let’s fix it.
This article was published on SMBtech, read the article on their website here.
By Grant Smith, Chairman, Global Health Limited
