Impact on patients
YES 94.7% NO 5.3% INYOUR OPINION,WILL BUDGET CUTS TO DATA AND DIGITAL SERVICES NEGATIVELY IMPACT PATIENT CARE?
The downstream effects on patients are stark:
history, delay in care through unnecessary diagnostics or limited information on referrals, and increased wait times for diagnostics and specialist assessment. “Budget cuts in the data and digital space are already impacting an overwhelmed and underperforming health service. I cannot, in good faith, reassure my patients that they are receiving high quality, equitable care.” Lack of ability for people to manage their own health: Reduced investment in digital platforms such as patient portals and telehealth systems has limited access to personal health records and essential tools for informed decision-making. This diminishes opportunities for proactive self-care, leading to increased dependence on overburdened health services and worsening inequities in care access. “Significant budget and staff cuts will negatively impact the ability to drive earlier diagnoses and interventions, improve outcomes, and support more engaged patients.”
Delayed care: 72.6% of respondents felt that patients face longer wait times in urgent, routine and preventative care. Comments outlined the likelihood of increased inefficiencies in scheduling, diagnostics and information sharing with current systems falling even further behind as delays increase to system maintenance and upgrades. They highlighted the increased burden this will place on clinicians to complete tasks, resulting in less time for direct patient care and longer waiting times to see patients. “Patients are waiting longer for less. We are seeing the cracks widen, especially for those already on the margins.” Inequities amplified: Respondents highlighted that research clearly shows Māori, Pacific Peoples, and Disabled people are the most likely to be impacted by changes. The current poor data on these populations was frequently mentioned, with many commenting this was likely to become worse. “These cuts will force rationalisation of resources to only the largest easiest to target groups.” Increased risk of patient harm: Gaps in data sharing lead to fragmented care, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes through missed information in a patients
YES 86.6% NO, BUT THEY WILL CEASE/SLOW ANY IMPROVEMENTS TO CARE 10.95% NO 2.5%
THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL HEALTH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND - VOICE OF THE WORKFORCE | A HINZ SPECIAL REPORT | 5
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