Opportunities to lead the way
1. National shared health records
There are numerous opportunities to advance healthcare using digital health solutions. Respondents highlighted 5 priority areas that will result in faster, more accurate diagnostics, improved access to care, and a deeper understanding of bottlenecks in the system. These solutions were those identified as being most likely to both significantly reduce patient harm and achieve substantial cost savings.
4. Smarter patient flow
Improved data systems for real- time hospital tracking were seen as essential for reducing bottlenecks and improving patient outcomes. Studies have shown that implementing such systems can reduce ED wait times by one hour per patient, and reduce hospital stay lengths by 6.5% as well as reduce readmissions by 2%.
Clinicians overwhelmingly supported the implementation of shared health records, emphasising their potential to reduce redundant tests, improve care coordination, and enhance patient safety. National shared health records have been shown to provide almost 10% savings in hospital related patient care costs.
2. AI-driven diagnostics
5. Predictive analytics
Respondents highlighted AI’s role in improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing clinician workloads, and expediting treatment, particularly in high-stakes areas like cancer care. A recent publication by the National Bureau of Economic Research in the United States has shown that implementation of AI could lead to savings of 5-10% of overall healthcare spend. 3. Patient anywhere clinician elsewhere expansion Professionals called for expanded telehealth and remote monitoring services to bridge access gaps for rural and priority populations that experience inequity, reducing the strain on emergency departments. Studies have shown up to 35% reduction in hospital visits and up to 50% reduction in ED visits for patients with chronic health conditions using remote
Respondents emphasised the need for predictive models to anticipate healthcare demand, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and proactively. Using predictive analytics has been shown to have the potential of significant cost savings in preventative care, management of high resource and patients, and up to 20% reduction in length of hospital stays overall.
patient monitoring, leading to significant cost savings.
THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL HEALTH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND - VOICE OF THE WORKFORCE | A HINZ SPECIAL REPORT | 8
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