Australian Health Journal met with Commissioner Catherine de Fontenay from the Productivity Commission to discuss the key findings of new research papers, “Advances in Measuring Healthcare Productivity”, released in April and in May, the release of “Making the most of Technology in Healthcare”.
De Fontenay talks about the Commission’s new approach to analysing health productivity, shifting the perspective from the unit measurement of individuals using the health system to the actual improvement of health. This has shown Australia’s health treatment productivity is improving, but identifies gaps in preventative health measures and duplication, where digital technology needs to be more effectively used.
The “Advances in Measuring Healthcare Productivity” research paper emphasises the productivity of healthcare by examining the outcomes of health treatments, such as those for lung cancer, and exploring the possibility of lower-cost settings for treatment, such as home-based care. This approach resulted in a notable 3% increase in productivity annually, showing improved health outcomes and enhanced value for money.
While the research highlights the improving productivity of health treatments, it also emphasises the importance of addressing the factors leading to illness, particularly in light of Australia’s high rates of obesity and alcohol consumption. By tackling these issues, substantial reductions in healthcare costs can be achieved. The research also identifies digital technologies as a promising avenue for cost reduction in healthcare, particularly in minimising excess testing and delivering care in more cost-effective settings.
When accounting for health risks in the population, Australia ranks third among 28 comparable high-income countries in terms of healthcare value for money, indicating the country’s strong performance using this method of measurement.
The second research paper “Making the most of Technology in Healthcare”, underscores the detrimental impact of inadequate electronic medical records on patient care quality, citing preventable medication-related errors costing approximately $1.4 billion annually. Additionally, it emphasises the significance of effective electronic discharge processes from hospitals in reducing the risk of readmission.
The research has advocated for the effective utilisation of digital technologies, including electronic medical records, telehealth, remote care, and artificial intelligence, in the healthcare system. It highlights the potential of these technologies to significantly reduce costs, citing potential savings of about $5 billion for hospitals by reducing test duplication and expediting patient discharge.
Remote monitoring technologies can reduce complications for high-risk diabetes patients, but funding structures need to be improved to maximise their benefits. To that end, the research emphasises the potential of digital technologies to revolutionise the healthcare system, provided that effective utilisation and appropriate funding structures are in place.
-
World first in rural and remote nursing
In March 2023, the Australian Government released the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023–2027. The Framework is a world first and describes the unique context of practice and core capabilities for rural and remote Registered Nurses in Australia.
The Framework was developed by the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner and Australian Health Journal spoke with National Rural Health Commissioner, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, and Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner – Nursing and Midwifery, Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan, on the importance of rural and remote nursing and of the Framework itself.
-
Medical colleges reform to address accessibility, affordability and rural challenges
Australia’s specialist medical colleges are introducing significant changes to their training selection processes to tackle the ongoing shortage of specialist doctors in rural and remote areas. The Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC), in collaboration with the National Rural Health Commissioner, has unveiled new guidelines that prioritise candidates with rural backgrounds and experience during trainee selection.
-
Metabolic health expert talks about healthy ageing
David Beard is a highly experienced Exercise Physiologist with a specialisation in metabolic health and healthy aging. He has spent over 40 years in this profession, even before exercise physiology was formally recognised as a discipline. His extensive background includes over a decade of working in aged care and a strong focus on adult health and fitness. David has authored a book on healthy aging and dedicated the last 10 to 12 years to advancing his expertise in metabolic health issues such as diabetes, weight loss, and inflammatory conditions. He is a co-owner of HFRC in Nedlands, Western Australia, where he has worked for nearly a decade.
