Paul Willma
Abstract
It is now 2015, and we are seeing the results of the Health Information Technology Ashes Series (HITAS) between Australia and England. The key challenges of health I.T. have been addressed. The processes, technology and human organisational change issues have been caught out to deliver more efficient safer, health system with better outcomes for our population... or have they? Could we fumble it?
The health systems in Australia and the United Kingdom are now closer to having electronic medical records (EMRs) and the nations are now closer to having electronic health records (EHRs). What is the difference? Why bother? Will either country hit these for a six?
Based on the current run rate: What will the UK achieve by 2015? What will Australia and its States achieve? How do the scores and approaches compare?
What is there to consider in running from 2007 to 2015? Are we spending enough per head of population to achieve the outcomes we want? Is the Australian health care business model conducive to achieving objectives of patient safety, improved efficiency and cost containment? How does it compare to the NHS and its approach?
What about technology and architectures? Do they matter? Are interoperability standards important, or are we stumped? How does the Australian geography and telecommunications infra-structure differ from the UK, and do the distinctive pitches make any difference?
What about the skills shortage of both clinical and technology people? Will it have an impact on the projects and what can be achieved? Can we bring in some outfielders to help?
What needs to change for us to succeed? Would a new ball help?
This presentation is designed to provide some insight, and provoke thinking about the myriad of questions, issues and challenges that will confront the health and information technology industries as we move towards 2015, by examining game plans and the current form of both the UK and Australia.