Patient-centric healthcare delivery, telehealth, artificial intelligence and digital technology were the main discussion points during Session 3 of today’s Medicine Australia’s PharmAus20 conference.
Key points:
Patient centric care ensures that the right patients are receiving the right care at the right time. Here’s an excellent definition: https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.17.0559
During COVID we have seen a ‘Reimagining of healthcare in Australia’ and digital technology has provided the platform for a range of innovations.
Survey results show that consumers like: telehealth, e-prescriptions, on-line pathology and simple solutions for payments and bookings; and consumers want: security, reliable access to broadband, custom solutions, human-centered design and training for consumers and providers.
Digital health is more than e-health; and is being fuelled by an exponential increase of IT; consumer-centrism; decentralisation and the abundance of data everywhere.
Digital tools will allow a shift from provider-centric to consumer-centric models of care. These will be more convenient, safer, of higher quality and cheaper and therefore sustainable.
We’re already seeing an uptick in digital health services integrated into every day devices generating new data streams eg AI, apps, wearables.
We need a multi-stakeholder approach in formulating the next iteration in Australia’s digital health strategy; and importantly to treat consumers as partners in the journey through co- and human-centered design.
Quality of Care in telehealth, in order to improve access and reduce health inequalities, involves 6 WHO criteria categories: Safe, Effective, Timely, Efficient, Equitable, People-centered.
There are a range of patient-centric digital services already rolled out including: COVID testing, mental health, chronic diseases, script renewals, dietetics, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, GP services, and specialist services.
Digital technology can solve a number of challenges in healthcare workflow including: scheduling, waiting area management, checking-in, consultations, payments, regulatory requirements and flexibility.
Thanks to the speakers:
Elizabeth de Somer
Stuart Knight
Anthony Egeland
Ganesh Naidoo
Silvia Pfeiffer
Chris Dobney