The latest news from the Digital Health CRC
March, 2024
Message from our CEO
Annette Schmiede
Welcome to the Digital Health Co-operative Research Centre’s first newsletter for 2024. During the first few months of this year, we have taken a step back to reflect on our legacy as the DHCRC enters its final years. Cooperative Research Centres are unique organisations that do much of the heavy lifting to bring together government, researchers and industry to find answers to challenging problems facing society, communities and the economy.
Since our establishment in mid 2018, DHCRC has seen the healthcare sector face unprecedented challenges through the Covid pandemic, increasing demands from an ageing population, and more recently, a slowing economy.
When over 70% of all healthcare services are funded by governments, it is vital that the health system works as efficiently as possible. With predictions that the fastest growing components of future Government expenditure are health, aged care, and disability services, supporting increased efficiency and effectiveness across these services is a critical goal.
There has been much recent discussion about Australia’s slide in our position on international productivity league tables. Put simply increasing (labour) productivity means more goods and services are produced with the same amount of labour reflecting advances in technology, education and skills among the workforce. It means higher standards of living and greater prosperity.
Latest News
The recent Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) of NSW Indigenous Health Summit Breakfast Bites event was a morning of enlightenment and collaboration as participants gathered on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. The Breakfast bites: Conversations for Proud Partnerships in Comprehensive Primary Healthcare served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the successes and challenges of Indigenous community projects and the strategies needed to navigate them successfully.
The engaging conversations brought together a diverse group of individuals, all committed to the common goal of advancing Indigenous health initiatives. The panellists facilitated table discussions, emphasising the significance of building partnerships grounded in cultural safety, autonomy, and community well-being.
As a proud co-sponsor of this event alongside the University of Sydney, we were honoured to be part of such a significant gathering. We extend our thanks to all attendees and panellists for their valuable contributions to the dialogue, enriching the experience for everyone involved.
Partnering to Empower Brilliant Women in Digital Health
DHCRC is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Telstra Health and the Brilliant Connected Women in Digital Health Network. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in recognising and celebrating the exceptional contributions of women in the digital health sector.
The network aims to recognise and celebrate women who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and excellence in driving positive change and advancement within the digital health industry. We are committed to shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in this rapidly evolving field.
Through this partnership, we strive to inspire, empower, and amplify the voices of women who are making a difference through their work in digital health. Stay tuned for details as we showcase the accomplishments, stories, and successes of women in our digital health sector.
In conversation with...
Australian healthtech startup Harrison.ai has a bold vision to raise the standard of healthcare for millions of patients every day. Co-founder and CEO Dr Aengus Tran shares how it is bringing to life this vision in practice by using AI to scale clinical support and in doing so is making healthcare more accessible and equitable around the globe.
Education Update
Healthcare datasets wanted to train next generation data science workforce
Calling all healthcare organisations! We need your help!
Synthetic data promises to open the top of the funnel for training current and future health data scientists by improving data access and minimising privacy risks. As part of our project, 'Critical infrastructure for training and innovation with synthetic health data', with University of Sydney, we will pilot this use case and are seeking health datasets that we can synthesise.
Using synthetic versions of real data, where patient information is representative but non-identifiable, we will offer datathons and project-based learning opportunities to learners who would otherwise have difficulty accessing and building experience with health data. This program of work will upskill participants by providing practical, real-world ways to build skills-based career portfolios while solving industry-based problems and delivering meaningful findings to the health sector.
This program is part of DHCRC's broader mission under its newly established community of practice, SynD, to unlock the value of health information through synthetic data to advance research, education, innovation and service delivery within the health and care sector. We encourage you to collaborate with us and be part of an initiative that will lay the groundwork for safe and effective use of synthetic data to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
If you are interested in being involved and would like to discuss this opportunity further, please email education@dhcrc.com
How perception can shape the future of virtual care
DHCRC Intern Ellena Maggyvin is examining Australia's shift towards digital health and virtual care, aiming to understand its limitations and opportunities. Her project seeks to enhance virtual care delivery by integrating insights from professionals and organisations to foster a more accessible and equitable healthcare system. Find out more on the Big Thinkers Forum.
Texting Towards Healing: Unveiling a New Chapter in Adolescent Mental Health
In the face of escalating mental health challenges and stigma, this review, conducted by DHCRC Emerging Leader Varun Karnik, investigates the promise of text therapy as a relatable and engaging form of aid for young people aged 12-24. In a thorough examination across key databases Varun aims to assess the clinical effectiveness, usability, and accessibility of this novel method, concentrating on individuals aged 12-24. Find out more about Varun’s research on the Big Thinkers Forum
Empowering Surgery Patients: Insights from DHCRC emerging leader Cory Williams
Discover Cory Williams' latest research on elective surgery prep, revealing how patients' understanding and learning preferences can shape better pre-op guidance. His findings highlight the need for personalized education and diverse resources. Dive deeper into how this impacts patient care at the DHCRC Big Thinkers Forum.
Project Update
Florence is Flourishing at Sydney Dental Hospital
Project Florence has successfully rolled out at Sydney Dental Hospital, marking a significant milestone in healthcare innovation. Led by the dedicated team (Sydney Local Health District, researchers from the University of Sydney, and Five Faces), Florence represents a transformative leap in enhancing the patient experience and streamlining healthcare processes.
Project Florence, named after Florence Nightingale, has a focus on addressing long wait times and improving overall healthcare delivery and is poised to revolutionise patient experiences and enhance engagement across the board. The project's implementation at Sydney Dental Hospital signifies a step forward in providing holistic and patient-centred care.
University of Wollongong Research Update: Calling All General Practitioners to Shape Healthcare
The University of Wollongong invites you to be a catalyst of change by sharing your invaluable insights on utilising general practice records for research. They are seeking passionate GPs from across Australia to join a select group in shaping the future of healthcare.
Participation in this research is tailored to your expertise and interest in data sharing, offering two distinctive opportunities for involvement. You can choose to engage in a one-to-one interview with a researcher or participate in a modified Delphi survey.
Seize this opportunity to make your voice heard! Contact Heidi Green from the UOW research team today (hgreen@uow.edu.au) and help shape the future of general practice research.
Upcoming Events
Innovation and Technology Across Care (ITAC) National Conference
Date: 26 – 27 March, 2024
Location: Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast
The ITAC 2024 conference will encapsulate the focus on innovation and technology in the aged and community care, while the theme “Elevating Aged and Community Care and Inspiring Innovation” emphasises ACIITC commitment to improving care quality and inspiring the sector to explore technological advancements in the sector.
Digital Health CRC is a proud sponsor of the ITAC 2024 event.
Digital Health Festival
Date: 7-8 May
Location: Melbourne Conference and Events Centre
Technology is transforming healthcare. Every care provider faces the challenge and opportunity of digital transformation.
Join 6,000+ health professionals from around Australia and the region in a dynamic event optimised for networking and learning. DHF brings together hospitals, primary & allied care, aged care, pharmacy, research, and policy.
Collaborate Innovate 2024
Date: 22-24 July
Location: Brisbane
Collaborate Innovate is Cooperative Research Australia's annual conference held at a different theme and location each year. The purpose of the conference is to connect members of the wide community engaged in industry-research collaborative entities and all other stakeholders.
