Healthcare delivery varies around the world, from age-old practices to the latest digital innovations.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions like telehealth, remote monitoring, and virtual care but how do these technologies vary by region and what are the challenges and regulations involved in implementing them?

During this webinar you will gain a clear understanding of the benefits, obstacles, and key factors to consider to impact clinical care across borders.

Experts:

• Michael Macdonnell, Global Head of Healthcare and pharma partnerships, Huma Therapeutics
• Rajesh Aggarwal, CEO, twenty30health
• Russell L. Gruen, Dean of the College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University

Summary of the webinar:
This BMJ Future Health webinar explored digital transformation in global healthcare markets, highlighting differences in implementation, workforce impact, regulation, and emerging trends. The discussion brought perspectives from North America, Europe, and Australia, offering insights into how technology is reshaping healthcare delivery worldwide.

Key Topics Covered:
1. Digital Innovation in Healthcare – Global Perspectives
Panellists shared impactful digital innovations from their regions:

• Rajesh Agarwal (USA)
  • Developed remote monitoring systems for bariatric surgery patients in remote northern Quebec.
  • Used web-based consultations to monitor post-surgical recovery, reducing anxiety for both patients and clinicians.
  • Highlighted that technology fosters human engagement rather than replacing it.
• Russell Gruen (Australia & Papua New Guinea)
  • Worked on telemedicine initiatives for remote Aboriginal and island communities.
  • Implemented Starlink satellite internet in remote clinics, increasing broadband speeds from dial-up to 180 Mbps, transforming healthcare access.
  • Argued that broadband access is a game-changer for telemedicine and remote care.
• Michael McDonald (UK & Global)
  • Discussed Huma’s remote patient monitoring system (RPM) that connects patients with healthcare teams via mobile devices.
  • Enables continuous data collection from wearables and passive sensing to optimize treatment decisions.
  • Addressed workforce shortages, patient empowerment, and hospital overcrowding through digital-first care.

2. Workforce & Training in Digital Healthcare

• Technology is an enabler but not a replacement – Digital solutions must support clinicians, not burden them.
• Multidisciplinary teamwork is key – Modern digital tools require collaboration between doctors, nurses, allied health professionals (AHPs), and IT specialists.
• Training challenges:
  • Many clinicians resist change due to past negative experiences (e.g., complex electronic health record (EHR) rollouts).
  • Digital transformation initially increases workload before efficiency benefits emerge.
  • Solutions like Huma’s staff augmentation (providing clinical support) ease the burden on frontline workers.

3. Implementation Challenges – Learning from EHR Rollouts

• EHR adoption has been painful worldwide – costly, slow, and disruptive to workflows.
• Resistance to new digital tools is often linked to bad past experiences with IT systems.
• Key lesson: Digital transformation should be co-led by clinicians to ensure practical and scalable solutions.
• “Technology alone won’t fix a broken process.” Poorly implemented digital solutions can worsen inefficiencies rather than improve them.

4. Patient-Centered Digital Health – Changing the Paradigm

• Consumers expect digital health to be as seamless as Google Maps or online banking.
• Data privacy & security concerns remain a major barrier to widespread adoption.
• Different healthcare models impact digital engagement:
  • UK (NHS) – State-driven approach (e.g., NHS app, central patient records).
  • USA – Market-driven digital health, influenced by private insurance and provider competition.
  • Australia – Emerging patient-centered EHR models allow individuals to access and manage their health data.

5. Regulation & Funding for Digital Healthcare

• Regulation varies across global markets:
  • The USA has structured reimbursement codes for digital health, allowing clearer adoption.
  • The UK & EU lag in digital health funding and regulatory clarity.
  • Data-sharing laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) significantly impact implementation.
• Sustainability is key – Who pays for digital health?
  • Many pilots collapse due to lack of long-term funding.
  • Government and insurance-backed reimbursement models are essential for scalability.

Emerging Trends – The Future of Digital Healthcare
What will define healthcare in the next decade?

1. AI & Data-Driven Learning Healthcare Systems
   • AI will optimize workflows, enhance diagnostics, and personalize treatments.
   • Focus on "learning healthcare systems" where real-world patient data continuously improve outcomes.
2. Digital-First Care Models
   • Healthcare will shift away from hospital-centric models toward remote, community-based care.
   • Patients will access on-demand consultations, remote monitoring, and AI-driven decision support.
3. Regulation & Reimbursement Evolution
   • Global regulatory alignment is needed to facilitate cross-border digital health innovations.
   • Funding models must shift from one-off innovation grants to sustainable reimbursement pathways.
4. Leapfrogging Digital Health in Emerging Markets
   • Developing countries can bypass outdated healthcare models by implementing cutting-edge digital solutions.
   • Example: Remote Papua New Guinea transitioning from no healthcare infrastructure to digital-first care via satellite internet.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

• Digital health is a global challenge with local solutions – Every healthcare system must tailor implementation to its own workforce, funding models, and patient needs.
• Technology should empower, not burden clinicians – Digital solutions must be designed with end-users in mind.
• Patient empowerment is key – Future healthcare models will prioritize consumer-driven digital access to care.

This webinar underscored the global nature of digital transformation in healthcare, offering valuable lessons from the USA, UK, Australia, and beyond. As healthcare rapidly evolves, collaboration, patient-centred design, and sustainable funding will be critical for success. 🚀

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