How ICT is Transforming Healthcare in Australia

If there is one silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic, is that it has allowed the Australian healthcare systems to transform faster than it probably would have in the past. Telehealth, online booking systems, electronic prescriptions and consumer apps all became just a part of how Australians managed their health. The medical technology industry in Australia is committed on building on the momentum and making our health system more effective and efficient.

According to Global Health Education (GHE), the main areas of health that digital transformation is improving across Australia include: 

• Communication between healthcare providers, and between providers and patients 
• Patient involvement in their own health care 
• Continuity of care for patients 
• Responsiveness to emergencies and critical situations 
• Clinicians' ability to make informed decisions
• Clinicians’ ability to monitor patients 
• Performance and quality of health care systems. 
• Sharing of information between health services 

Healthcare Technology Drivers by the numbers 

Digital transformation in the healthcare sector is evolving at a rapid pace in Australia. People are willing to use technology for health and try a digital format to access care. 

• 74% were at least somewhat willing to access an online health coach
• 65% would consider using more advanced home-based technologies to help identify and diagnose health conditions
• 83% were interested in being able to access their own health records, share their health information, send messages to their healthcare team and edit their care plans using a personal device
• The Australian government is investing A$312.6 million (around $200 million) over four years to improve the ICT systems in the aged care sector.
• It is part of the A$3.9 billion ($2.5 billion) 2022-2023 October budget for implementing aged care reforms to "improve safety, dignity, quality and humanity." 

Integrated medical information and communications

IT innovations have enabled much smoother communication within hospital and healthcare organisations. Medical professionals can now use more media such as video, online discussion platforms and real-time meeting capacities to engage and expedite the spread of knowledge in the field. Enhanced medical billing systems also allow hospitals, clinics and medical practices to run much more smoothly. And more importantly, during COVID-19, telehealth rose significantly as a means to restrict the transmission of the virus.

The positive impact of technology in healthcare  

The positive impact of technology in healthcare is clear. Hospitals that make a digital transition experience all of these benefits of healthcare technology, trends and innovation. Making the move promises a higher calibre of care across the board. Embracing digital healthcare services facilitates cutting-edge digital platforms improved operational efficiency, integrated approach to patient care, and of course, automated administrative and clinical processes. It also promotes easier collaboration, better patient outcomes and reduced costs.

Our experienced team at andersenIT have moulded flexible and efficient managed services solutions for healthcare IT. We focus on delivering value and driving outcomes from your organisation’s strategic initiatives, especially in the areas of patient/end-user experience, operational efficiency, and revenue maximisation. Based on your goals and healthcare IT needs we create a plan that enables a seamless transition of your organisation’s processes. We aren’t just players in healthcare IT management – we are leaders.

See how we are leading the way to help other companies make the most of their infrastructure through managed IT services. For detailed information on how we can offer value within your healthcare IT environment, please email our Technology Business Partner at enquiry@andersenIT.com.au or complete the contact form to organise a brief discussion.

Tags: Healthcare IT Support, Healthcare IT, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Australia, New Zealand, Global