Talking HealthTech

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Shelley Thomson, Co-Founder and Director of the Patient Experience Agency and host of the Consumer Health Partnerships podcast.They explore what genuine consumer engagement looks like in healthcare and digital health, why it is often missing, and how organisations can move beyond basic feedback towards meaningful, ongoing partnerships with patients and consumers.The conversation unpacks the gap between how healthcare is designed and how it is actually experienced, highlighting how patients move across multiple services and touchpoints while systems often remain siloed.Peter and Shelley discuss why many digital health solutions still miss the mark by focusing on workflows and technology rather than lived experience, and why honest, open feedback is both essential and difficult to capture in practice.They also examine the difference between consultative feedback and true collaboration, and why engagement must be continuous rather than treated as a one-off activity.This episode offers a grounded look at how healthcare organisations can build consumer engagement as a core capability, creating more connected, effective care that better reflects what matters most to the people it serves.Key Takeaways🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Consumer engagement is about genuine partnership, not just surveys or one-off feedback.🧭 Building organisational capability is needed—consumer engagement is an ongoing practice, not an add-on.🌏 Digital health solutions often focus on workflows or tech and miss the lived experience of patients.🔑 Honest feedback requires safe environments for open conversations with all stakeholders.🗺️ Patient journey mapping helps identify real issues that sit between services, not just within them.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:12 - Shelley Thomson’s background & role02:21 - Defining consumer engagement04:02 - Why it’s often missing06:16 - Measuring what “good” engagement is09:30 - Recruiting the right people13:12 - Common challenges in engagement18:05 - How to start: practical strategies19:59 - Real-world example: dementia journey22:35 - About Consumer Health Partnerships podcastCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Jakomi Mathews, founder and CEO of Goto.health, about the role of technology in improving price transparency, payment workflows, and access to healthcare services for both patients and clinics across AustraliaThe conversation explores how gaps in pricing visibility and payment processes continue to shape patient behaviour and clinic operations, and why these challenges persist despite broader conversations around health system reform.The discussion delves into the origin story behind Goto.health and the real-world experiences that highlighted the need for a more transparent and predictable approach to healthcare payments.It also examines the growing impact of affordability pressures on patients, including delayed care and the risk of bill shock, as well as the operational inefficiencies faced by clinics in managing cancellations, no-shows, and inconsistent cash flow.Beyond these challenges, the episode looks at how digital payment models inspired by other industries can streamline booking and payment processes across different care settings.It also considers broader implications for the healthcare ecosystem, drawing on insights from both Australian and international approaches, and highlights emerging innovations that aim to create a more connected, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare experience.Key Takeaways🩺 Price transparency and accessibility remain major barriers to healthcare; nearly 50% of Australians delay or cancel care due to affordability💳 Goto.health uses a model similar to Uber for healthcare payments, guaranteeing clinic payments and reducing cancellations or no-shows📈 The current healthcare SaaS booking incumbents are still only capturing a small fraction of medical appointments in Australia🦷 The Australian healthcare landscape has significant cost variance, especially in dental care, driving some patients to seek treatment overseas🌏 Regulatory trends are pushing for mandated price transparency, both in Australia and in the US, influencing Goto.health’s roadmapTimestamps00:00 – Introduction & background00:47 – Goto.health origin story02:05 – Clinic workflow challenges03:18 – Price transparency impact07:41 – Out-of-pocket healthcare costs12:02 – Benefits for clinics and patients15:13 – Goto.health’s product in action18:07 – Scaling the model & group implementations21:08 – Payment integrations and industry challenges23:29 – Roadmap and international expansion25:45 – Market context and platform growthCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Tim Ferris, Vice President of Healthcare Practice for Intersystems, Dr Tom Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Heidi Health, and Hal Wolf, President and CEO of HIMSS, about the evolving role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in addressing challenges in healthcare delivery, data integration, and system efficiency.The conversation explores how real-world pressures such as workforce strain, rising demand, and fragmented systems are shaping the way technology is adopted across healthcare.It looks closely at what makes digital tools succeed in practice, from easing clinical workflows to improving access to meaningful data, and why many past solutions have struggled to deliver on their promise.The episode also dives into the growing impact of AI in clinical settings, including its role in reducing administrative burden and supporting better decision-making.Alongside this, it examines the importance of trust, patient expectations, and the need for systems that are not only innovative but practical, reliable, and built to support care where it matters most.This episode was recorded during HIMSS 2026 in Las Vegas and features conversations Talking HealthTech had on the expo floor with industry leaders and innovators.Key Takeaways🧑‍⚕️ Technology’s evolving role: AI and large language models are poised to transform healthcare delivery by addressing supply and demand imbalances and supporting frontline clinicians.🔑 Practical implementation challenges: Real-world adoption depends on solving specific clinical problems, ensuring seamless data aggregation, and focusing on user-friendly tools.💸 Funding and adoption incentives: Different healthcare systems (such as the NHS vs the US) adapt AI and technology for cost, efficiency, and clinician satisfaction, affecting the pace and nature of adoption.🤝 Data, trust, and usage: The growth of agents and AI in healthcare introduces new complexities around data ownership, patient trust, and security, requiring new ways to manage access and responsible use.🌏 Innovation across the industry: Global perspectives sync on the value of integrating AI into workflows, from documentation to communication, showing both opportunities and hesitations among clinicians and patients.Timestamps00:00 - Peter Birch: Episode intro02:56 - Tim Ferris, Vice President of Healthcare Practice, Intersystems15:17 - Dr Tom Kelly, CEO & Co-Founder, Heidi Health23:36 - Hal Wolf, President & CEO, HIMSS39:42 - Peter Birch: Episode wrap-upCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotesAnd if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Rowland Illing, Chief Medical Officer for Amazon Web Services, about how cloud technology is reshaping healthcare and what that means for the people working within it.They explore the rapid rise of AI and software agents, and how these tools are beginning to change the daily experience for clinicians, patients, and health system operators.They unpack AWS’s dual role as both a global cloud provider and an increasingly active contributor to healthcare solutions, sharing practical examples from health systems and life sciences organisations around the world.The discussion also looks at how infrastructure decisions made today are enabling new models of care, from streamlining administrative workflows to improving how patients access and navigate services.The conversation offers a grounded look at where healthcare is heading, what is already changing behind the scenes, and how technology can support better, more human-centred care when applied with purpose.This episode was recorded during the HIMSS26 conference and captures the latest conversations and innovations at the intersection of healthcare and cloud computing.Key Takeaways🧬 AWS underpins global healthcare and life sciences, supporting drug discovery, health systems, and tech vendors worldwide💻 AI and cloud services enable faster, more scalable solutions in drug discovery, imaging, and genomics🔗 Modular, standards-based services like AWS HealthLake and HealthOmics foster interoperability and innovation for vendors and clinicians🤖 The emergence of AI agents is automating admin tasks, streamlining scheduling, patient interactions, and clinical workflows🙋 Patient education and transparency around AI use remain essential to build trust and improve care deliveryTimestamps00:00 – Episode intro & guest overview01:16 – AWS’s healthcare ecosystem role05:21 – AI in drug discovery and life sciences07:27 – Modular services: HealthLake, Imaging, HealthOmics12:22 – AI agents in patient engagement & admin18:10 – Human element: clinicians and patient care21:01 – AI, uncertainty, and patient education27:16 – Advice for CIOs, CTOs, and next stepsCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, recorded live at HIMSS26, Peter Birch sits down with Troy Kennedy, AVP of Client Partner Technology at Solventum, to explore the evolving role of clinical coding and the growing impact of AI in healthcare.The discussion unpacks how clinical coding underpins care quality, funding models, and system performance, while tracing its journey from manual processes to advanced, technology-enabled workflows.The conversation also dives into the practical application of AI, including how automation is being used to support clinical documentation, improve data accuracy, and ease workforce pressures.It also examines the importance of governance, local context, and human oversight in ensuring AI delivers meaningful and safe outcomes.Drawing on real-world experience, the episode highlights Solventum’s work with hospital systems and offers insight into how health organisations can approach digital transformation in a way that balances innovation with accountability.This episode was recorded during the HIMSS26 conference, capturing industry conversations and innovations showcased at the event.Key Takeaways🛠 Clinical coding is the digital language of health, vital for accurate patient care and health system management🤖 AI and machine learning are transforming clinical coding, enabling automation while retaining the need for human oversight📈 Clinical Document Improvement (CDI) enhances record accuracy, ensuring care is properly reflected and measured💡 Solventum's 360 Encompass platform combines coding, CDI, and quality management for scalable hospital outcomes🔑 Strategic adoption requires trusted partners, regulatory compliance, and understanding the local healthcare landscapeTimestamps00:00 Introduction & Troy’s background01:35 What is clinical coding?03:50 Evolution of technology in coding05:59 Clinical Document Improvement explained09:04 Solventum’s AI tools at HIMSS11:22 360 Encompass platform overview13:19 AI's impact on clinical coding roles15:37 Recommendations for health systems18:56 Key focus areas for Australian healthcareCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Dr Max Mollenkopf is joined by Dr Tom Kelly to unpack the evolution of Heidi, an AI-powered clinical documentation tool, from its early experimentation in general practice to its growing presence across health systems globally.The conversation traces the realities of building in digital health, including early missteps, product pivots, and the challenge of finding meaningful product-market fit in a complex and highly regulated environment.The discussion goes beyond surface-level AI hype to examine how tools like Heidi are being shaped by real clinical workflows.It explores the practical challenges of integrating with existing practice management systems, navigating regulatory frameworks across different regions, and competing in an increasingly crowded international market.There is also a focus on the rise of AI-powered clinical scribing, the role of large language models, and how these technologies are changing the day-to-day experience of clinicians.Alongside the technical and commercial considerations, the episode reflects on broader questions facing the sector, including safety, interoperability, and the cost of scaling AI in healthcare.It also looks ahead to emerging use cases such as real-time evidence retrieval and patient-facing applications, offering a grounded perspective on where AI is delivering value today and where it may have the greatest impact in the future.Key Takeaways✨ Product evolution and lessons learned Heidi started as a triage and workflow automation tool and shifted focus to clinical AI scribing in response to market needs and advancements in AI models.💬 Integration and interoperability challenges Integrating with practice management systems remains complex and highly dependent on regional vendors and technical standards, highlighting the ongoing struggle for efficient interoperability in healthcare.🌍 Global competition and expansion Heidi's growth strategy and competition vary by country, with different primary competitors in Australia, the UK, and North America, and a keen focus on clinician-centric product development.🛠️ Regulation and medical device territory AI-based clinical tools like Heidi must constantly reassess their compliance with evolving software as a medical device rules, which differ across international markets.🤝 Feedback-driven design Heidi’s freemium model enabled rapid feedback loops from clinicians, shaping product features and spurring adoption in both individual practices and enterprise hospital deals.Timestamps00:00 Heidi’s origins and early pivots03:37 Traction and barriers to product adoption09:01 Pivot to AI-powered scribing14:11 Drivers of Heidi’s growth and market position18:56 Competitors in each market22:45 Evidence product launch and vision29:17 Software as a medical device, regulatory lines37:37 Relationships with PMS providers44:16 Interoperability barriers and national health records52:13 The cost of AI in clinical tools54:40 Expanding to communications and voice products57:32 Consumer-facing applications and future directions59:59 Will AI replace clinicians?--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Kate Ebrill, Grahame Grieve, Dr Chris Moy, Dr John Lambert, Sandra Cook, Dr Jill Freyne, Professor Brett Sutton, and Professor Mark Braunstein about data standards, information exchange, and implementation challenges in Australia’s digital health sector.The discussion explores the Sparked Initiative and its co-design approach to developing national standards, with a focus on creating consistent, secure, and meaningful ways to share health information.The episode also examines what it takes to move from policy into real-world implementation, including the role of infrastructure, vendor engagement, and support for different parts of the health system.Emerging technologies such as AI and FHIR are considered in the context of improving data quality, enabling interoperability, and shaping how health information is created, shared, and used.Across the conversation, contributors provide insights from clinical practice, technical architecture, and national strategy, offering a grounded view of the opportunities and challenges ahead as Australia continues to build a more connected and effective digital health ecosystem.This episode was recorded at the Sparked Community co-design workshops in Hobart, an event dedicated to accelerating the creation and development of national FHIR standards for health information exchange in Australia.Key Takeaways✨ Nationally aligned data standards are essential for enabling safe and scalable digital health innovation across Australia, with implementation and policy alignment now the main focus💬 Sparked focuses on co-design, ensuring data standards are fit for purpose for all Australians through direct engagement with clinicians, consumers, industry, and government🤝 The need for high-quality, standardised data is becoming more urgent as AI adoption increases; clean inputs lead to more reliable outputs🚀 Infrastructure like HealthConnect Australia and a national FHIR repository are being developed to support ecosystem-wide adoption🔄 Tasmania is positioned as an effective testbed for state-scale implementation due to its system structure, highlighting a path for broader national rolloutTimestamps00:00 – Kate Ebrill, Sparked Lead: Event introduction and national objectives03:26 – Grahame Grieve, HL7 FHIR product director: A history and outlook on FHIR development04:54 – Dr Chris Moy, Clinical Co-lead: Clinician and consumer engagement05:25 – Dr John Lambert, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Tasmania: State-scale implementation06:25 – Sandra Cook, Connected Care, ADHA: National implementation infrastructure07:33 – Dr Jill Freyne, Amazon Web Services: Industry implementation momentum08:14 – Professor Brett Sutton, CSIRO Health: Real-time data for clinicians and patients09:23 – Grahame Grieve: Patient empowerment and AI10:15 – Professor Mark Braunstein: The global context and FHIR adoption--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplusAnd if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Emma Hossack, CEO of the Medical Software Industry Association (MSIA), to unpack the often overlooked role of software in keeping Australia’s healthcare system running.The conversation explores how MSIA represents and supports the organisations building the digital infrastructure behind everyday care, and why their work is more critical than most people realise.Peter and Emma dive into the origins and purpose of MSIA, its growing influence on health software policy, and how it is helping shape the governance of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.They also discuss the increasing weight of regulation, the tension between compliance and innovation, and the funding challenges facing local software providers.The discussion offers a practical look at the people and systems working behind the scenes, and why stronger collaboration between government, industry, and clinicians will be essential for the future of digital health in Australia.Key Takeaways💡 Over 95% of Australian healthcare operates on MSIA member platforms, making their work foundational to the sector.🔗 MSIA acts as a bridge between industry and government, shaping and supporting health software policy and regulation.🧑‍💻 Artificial intelligence in health tech is a major focus, with MSIA developing a voluntary code for unregulated products and leading industry-wide collaboration on AI governance.📊 Regulatory compliance demands have increased significantly, with some software providers now spending up to 80% of their effort on meeting these requirements.🤝 MSIA facilitates collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing through events, monthly member sessions, matchmaking, and support for overcoming industry roadblocks.Timestamps00:01 — Introduction to MSIA04:00 — Industry impact and membership07:00 — COVID-19 response and digital prescribing12:41 — AI in healthcare and MSIA’s voluntary code19:40 — Regulation vs. innovation in development26:11 — Funding, training, and recent challenges38:37 — Upcoming priorities and activitiesLinks and Resources:The MSIA Voluntary Guide on responsible use of AI - Read More HereThe MSIA 2025 Productivity Brief to Government - Access Here--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full ArticleIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Casey Going, founder of MBSPro and a rural GP, about the evolving landscape of general practice and the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.The conversation explores the operational pressures facing rural clinics, including workforce shortages, financial constraints, and the realities of delivering care outside metropolitan areas.It also unpacks how technology is being used in real clinical settings, from streamlining administrative tasks to supporting patient triage and improving Medicare billing processes.Broader themes around practice sustainability, recruitment, and the shift towards larger, more specialised clinics are examined, alongside the opportunities and challenges that come with adopting new digital tools.The episode offers a grounded look at how innovation is shaping primary care today, and what the future may hold for practice owners navigating a rapidly changing environment.Key Takeaways🩺 Operational pressures drive tech adoption: Rural clinics face significant recruitment and financial challenges, making technology and AI tools essential for streamlining processes and reducing overhead.🤖 AI enhances efficiency, not replaces staff: Technology is being implemented to reduce cognitive load and repetitive tasks among staff, allowing people to focus on more value-adding activities, not eliminating jobs.💸 Medicare funding misconceptions: Medicare offers rebates, not free care; financial sustainability for clinics requires careful billing and operational strategy as margins remain tight.🏥 Future of general practice: Practices are likely to become larger and more specialised, with AI assistance and a shift toward two tiers of clinics—ultra-lean bulk billing models and comprehensive, tech-enabled fee-for-service clinics.👥 Practice ownership advice: Aspiring owners should seek mentors beyond general practice and embrace technology and business principles from other industries for sustainable operations.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction & guest background03:53 - Rural practice operational pressures07:01 - Balancing clinical care, innovation, and sustainability09:24 - AI implementation examples14:11 - Medicare funding & misconceptions16:41 - Predicted future clinic models19:21 - Accreditation burden & compliance23:16 - Financial sustainability of clinics31:18 - Practical advice for practice owners33:37 - Upcoming MBS Pro features________Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dan Wijeratne, founder of MyGPMPtool (MGT), and Genevieve McLauren-Lee, a registered nurse and practice manager at My Medical Services Australia.The discussion explores how patient demographics vary across clinics and the evolving role of technology in general practice.It also covers structural changes in care planning within Australian healthcare, along with practical strategies to improve patient engagement and clinician efficiency.The episode unpacks how patient-centric care, effective communication tools, and the balance of business and medicine are shaping sustainable health practices.Key Takeaways🩺 General practice faces diverse patient demographics and challenges🕒 Technology enables faster, more meaningful consultations without compromising patient interaction📝 Structural changes in care planning emphasise patient-centric, team-based approaches🤝 Effective patient engagement depends on meaningful communication and tailored tools💼 Sustainable practice requires tools balancing clinician efficiency, patient experience, and business demandsTimestamps00:00 Introductions & practice overview03:12 Responsive, innovative general practice06:02 Technology's role in patient-GP interaction07:24 Chronic disease vs. preventative care12:24 Health cues and brief assessments14:48 Structural healthcare changes in Australia21:41 Technology supporting patient experience26:06 Balancing patient, clinician, and business needs________Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Lars Borup, Clinical Manager at Dedalus, and Andrew Mitchell, Paramedic Clinical Consultant for Australia and New Zealand, about the growing issue of ambulance ramping and the pressures facing paramedics and emergency departments.They discuss the human and operational impacts of patients waiting outside hospitals, and the complex factors driving congestion, from changing social structures to system bottlenecks.The conversation also explores digital solutions for streamlining patient handovers, including real-time data sharing, electronic patient care records, and coordinated care pathways.Drawing on both local experiences and international models from Europe, Lars and Andrew highlight how improved communication between pre-hospital care and hospitals can reduce delays and optimise patient flow.They also show how connecting with primary care providers supports better outcomes across the wider health system.This episode highlights how technology, workflow improvements, and integrated care can transform emergency services.Key Takeaways🔄 Growing demand in healthcare leads to complex ambulance ramping and bed block challenges in Australia and globally👨‍⚕️ Secondary triage and alternate care pathways are being developed to reduce hospital load📱 Real-time electronic patient care records enable hospitals to prepare more effectively for incoming patients🤝 Seamless communication and integrated data sharing between paramedics, hospitals, and primary care are critical for efficient transitions🚑 Structured digital tools support paramedics in decision-making and workflow, leading to improved patient safety and qualityTimestamps00:00 — Speaker introductions05:19 — Why not just add resources?07:47 — Is ramping just shifting the block?10:23 — Transition and handover points12:23 — Real-time electronic records in Denmark17:26 — Pre-arrival notification in Australia26:15 — Digital support tools for paramedics28:40 — Unified ED and ambulance workflow32:49 — Addressing ambulance ramping: Communication--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplusAnd if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, guest host and clinician Dr Max Mollenkopf is joined by Cliffe Hodgkinson, co-founder of Updoc, to explore the rapidly evolving world of telehealth and digital healthcare in Australia.The discussion dives deep into how Updoc is reshaping access to primary care, using technology to streamline patient intake, triage, and workflow management while maintaining robust clinical governance.The episode also examines the challenges and opportunities of building a digital health business, from recruiting and engaging clinicians with flexible work models to navigating economic pressures and policy changes.The conversation explores patient expectations in the digital age, the practical realities of delivering online consultations, and the ways digital platforms can complement traditional GP services.Cliffe and Max explore what drives patient adoption, how friction points in traditional clinics are being addressed, and what the future may hold for hybrid models of care that blend online and in-person consultations.Key Takeaways🩺 Updoc offers flexible, on-demand telehealth for routine and urgent care across Australia, focusing on accessibility for rural and time-poor patients.🔗 Incremental innovation and listening to user feedback drive continuous improvements in patient intake flows, data integration and care delivery.👨‍⚕️ Doctors are attracted by hyper-flexible work arrangements, supporting clinicians returning to work and those balancing multiple roles.⚖️ Updoc prioritises clinical governance, developing frameworks for patient safety, credentialing, and collaborating with Patients Australia on digital health standards.💡 Telehealth complements, but doesn’t replace, in-person care, offering new pathways for multimodal, hybrid healthcare delivery in Australia.Timestamps00:00 – Updoc introduction & mission00:05 – Updoc's formative experiences06:47 – Incremental innovation at UpDoc14:30 – Clinician engagement & workforce16:49 – Clinical governance approach22:02 – Accessibility focus: rural/time-poor29:30 – The future of telehealth vs. traditional care38:53 – Potential for hybrid & triage models44:03 – Patient impact story_________Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Louise Shardey, CEO of Adeney Private Hospital, and William Hadden, Managing Director for Oneview ANZ.The conversation explores how a new private hospital in Melbourne is approaching digital transformation, patient-centred care, and compliance with national standards.It highlights how collaboration between hospitals, clinicians, and technology providers is shaping integrated and seamless patient experiences.Topics covered include the hospital’s “zero out-of-pocket” model, the use of real-time digital tools at the bedside, strategies for reducing waste and improving efficiency, and how technology can support both clinical workflows and compliance requirements.The discussion also examines how data, analytics, and continuous feedback are applied to inform clinical decisions, enhance patient journeys, and design systems and processes that align with patient needs while meeting regulatory standards.Key Takeaways🌱 Starting a private hospital from scratch enables reimagining processes, workflows, and patient engagement, focusing on reducing waste and improving integration.🤝 Collaboration between technology vendors and hospital teams is crucial to achieve seamless data integration, improve workflow, and keep the patient at the centre.📊 Compliance with Australian healthcare standards drives innovation by creating guardrails that help ensure safety, efficiency, and high-quality care without stifling creativity.💡 Digital solutions such as integrated bedside technology, digital rounding, and plans for a digital whiteboard aim to empower patients and staff, support compliance, and enhance patient autonomy and communication.🔗 Continuous evaluation and improvement of digital infrastructure supports scalable success and ensures that adopted technologies genuinely meet clinical and patient needs.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome and guest introductions01:05 - Adeney Private Hospital foundations03:21 - Oneview overview and partnership04:39 - Designing systems from scratch07:17 - Integrating tech at the bedside13:29 - Compliance, data capture, and patient involvement18:41 - The impact of technology on patient outcomes24:14 - Digital whiteboards, real-time evidence, and workflow32:49 - What’s next for Adeney and Oneview--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Heidi Baker, an emergency specialist and paediatrician at Podhealth in New Zealand.The episode explores the intersection of clinical practice, digital health adoption, and technology-driven approaches to supporting neurodiversity and developmental paediatrics across New Zealand.Dr Heidi Baker shares her journey as a clinician and business owner, including her transition from emergency medicine to paediatrics and her experiences in setting up a tech-enabled health service.She also discusses her adoption of AI scribe solutions to improve clinical documentation and strengthen patient connections.The conversation dives into the challenges of balancing hands-on patient care with running a private practice, offering honest insights into delegation, workflow, and the emotional demands of generalist medicine.The episode also provides an in-depth look at how digital tools can transform the consultation room, allowing clinicians to spend more time engaging with patients and less on administrative tasks.Key Takeaways🌏 Combining emergency and paediatric care can broaden a clinician’s skillset and approach to teamwork.🧑‍💻 Setting up a digital health business requires clinicians to delegate non-clinical tasks, leverage tech platforms, and trust others with complementary skills.💡 AI scribe technology is enhancing patient-clinician interaction, reducing admin burden, and enabling better capture of non-verbal cues and clinical details.📝 Transparent communication and consent processes support the adoption of AI documentation tools in clinical practice.🔒 Trust, data control, and careful selection of tech vendors are essential for upholding patient confidentiality and clinician confidence in digital solutions.Timestamps00:02 – Dr Heidi Baker's background and roles00:49 – Paediatrics and neurodiversity focus01:13 – Skills from emergency medicine03:17 – Starting a business as a clinician04:13 – Choosing technology stack06:49 – Delegating and managing capacity07:48 – AI scribe adoption journey09:51 – Transition and patient communication11:47 – Benefits and workflow changes13:49 – Impact on patient care and non-verbal cues16:18 – Advice for clinicians starting with tech18:47 – Balancing tech trust and regulation--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Julie Hoare, VP and Regional General Manager for APAC, Angela Ryan, Lead Healthcare Executive for APAC, and Amita Malik, Senior Director and Health Sciences Product Manager at Oracle Health and Life Sciences.Together, they explore the evolution from Cerner to Oracle Health and the addition of Oracle Health Life Sciences, highlighting how these changes are shaping clinical trials, healthcare research, and patient care in Australia.The conversation examines the challenges facing clinical trials, including fragmented systems, slow recruitment, and complex regulatory processes, and how data and AI are being used to address these issues.The episode also covers the practical application of AI, the importance of trust and governance in digital tools, and the future direction of Oracle Health and Life Sciences in the region.Key Takeaways🧩 Fragmented healthcare and research data remain a barrier to efficient clinical trials and patient outcomes, highlighting the need for unified platforms.🤖 AI and analytics are being used to automate patient-trial matching, improve data quality, and accelerate research outcomes.📊 Leveraging existing EHR data can transform organisations from record-keepers to research-ready institutions, facilitating faster drug development.💡 Building trust in AI adoption is essential, emphasising the role of clinician validation and evidence-based implementation.🌏 Oracle Health is actively collaborating with industry and government to advance the safe, effective use of AI and unified data in health.Timestamps00:00 – Introductions & episode overview03:23 – Challenges in clinical trials in Australia07:54 – The evolution from Cerner to Oracle Health12:59 – AI’s role in healthcare data & trials18:06 – Clinical and practical use cases of AI19:56 – Building trust in AI and digital tools25:20 – AI Centre of Excellence and future directions---------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Steve Gomes, Executive Director at Rauland Australia and New Zealand.They discuss the evolution of Rauland’s concentric care platform and how it has been integrated into a variety of healthcare environments.The conversation explores critical communication, optimising clinical workflows, and strategies for implementing technology in both new and existing hospital facilities.Peter Birch and Steve Gomes also discuss data-driven approaches to enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency across hospitals and aged care.They dive into real-world examples of how Rauland’s concentric care platform reduces delays, improves patient flow, and supports staff, giving listeners an inside look at the practical impact of digital transformation in healthcare.This episode was recorded virtually, following up from a previous in-person interview at Rauland’s offices.Key Takeaways: 🩺 Integrating multiple systems for streamlined clinical workflows, reducing silos in hospital settings📱 Rauland’s Reach messaging solution manages mission-critical alerts and closes communication loops🏥 Technology adapts to existing hospital infrastructure to bring visibility and operational improvements📊 Data from digital journey boards helps reduce patient length of stay and optimise resource allocation🌏 Enterprise thinking supports consistency and scale across hospital networks, benefiting support and cybersecurityTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & context00:39 – Concentric care platform updates02:04 – Rauland’s platform overview03:10 – Mission-critical messaging06:21 – Clinical workflow and emergency department example08:25 – Deploying technology in established hospitals11:54 – Impact in rehab and aged care14:07 – Emergency department operations16:33 – Importance of uptime and reliability17:16 – Enterprise thinking across hospital networks19:01 – Economies of scale with deployment20:17 – Roadmap for Rauland in 202622:17 – Advice for hospital decision makers--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr. Mina Baumgarten, Head of Business Process and Care Innovation at Vivantes, Dr Dennis Rausch, Chief Medical Officer at Dedalus, and Vinod Seetharaman, CMIO for ANZ at Dedalus.The conversation examines the challenges and strategies involved in large-scale digital health transformations, highlighting the long-standing partnership between Vivantes and Dedalus.It also explores the implementation of electronic medical records, the shift from traditional vendor relationships to collaborative transformation partnerships, and how lessons from Europe can inform Australia’s digital health journey.The discussion provides insights into interoperability, digital maturity, workflow optimisation, and the use of AI to support clinicians.It highlights real-world examples of successes and challenges, demonstrating approaches to building sustainable, adaptable, and effective digital health systems.Key Takeaways🚀 Digital transformation relies on strategic, collaborative partnerships rather than basic buyer-vendor relationships.🏥 Unifying multiple hospital sites under one digital system boosts scalability and efficiency.🧩 True interoperability requires integrating numerous IT platforms to support complex care environments.🤖 AI and automation are being used for clinical decision support, monitoring, and enhancing patient safety.📊 Rigorous evaluation of digital and AI solutions is essential, prioritising real-world demand, measurable benefits, and strategic alignment.Timestamps00:00 — Introduction01:17 — Vivantes health system overview04:40 — Dedalus' long-term partnership history09:06 — Key elements of digital infrastructure17:53 — Interoperability challenges in Australia20:48 — AI and automation use cases25:17 — Innovation implementation standards--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Paul Eleftheriou, Principal and Co-Lead of Digital Health at Nous Group, and Rhonda Morton, Australian Director for Strategy and Partnerships at Streamliners, about the role of clinical pathways in modern healthcare.The conversation explores what clinical pathways are, why they are important, how they interact with technology like medical records, e-referrals, and AI tools, and how they can address inefficiencies and improve patient and clinician experiences across Australia.The discussion also dives into the challenges of translating evidence into practice, the impact of fragmentation in the health system, and the critical role of workforce engagement, leadership culture, and patient-centred design.The conversation provides practical insights into how clear, collaborative clinical pathways can reduce clinician burnout, promote health equity, and create a foundation for safe, smart digital innovation.It examines how evidence-based pathways interact with technology such as electronic medical records, e-referrals, and AI tools, and explores strategies to overcome system fragmentation while improving consistency, efficiency, and patient-centred care across healthcare settings.Key Takeaways✨ Clinical pathways standardise care, providing consistent, evidence-based guidance for clinicians and supporting a seamless patient journey across fragmented health systems.🤝 Integrating clinical pathways with digital tools improves communication, reduces inefficiencies, and helps prevent patients from falling through the cracks in a federated healthcare environment.📉 Pathways can address “hidden taxes” on the system, such as unnecessary tests and duplicated processes, unlocking both cost savings and safer care.👩‍⚕️ Effective pathways reduce clinician burnout by delivering point-of-care tools that streamline decision-making, and must be co-designed with both workforce and patient needs in mind.🤖 Solid foundational systems are needed before leveraging advanced technologies like AI, ensuring that any innovations support, rather than overwhelm, clinicians and patients.Timestamps00:00 — Introduction00:36 — What are clinical pathways?04:49 — Clinical pathways analogy: restaurants06:09 — Pathways as patient journeys07:42 — Digital’s role and “filling the cracks”12:09 — Inefficiencies and hidden taxes16:58 — Interoperability vs. care pathways24:12 — Clinician burnout and enabling workforce28:04 — AI, tech foundations, and implementation41:20 — Future directions for Streamliners--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full ArticleIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch and Rebecca McBeth from HiNZ speak with Hon. Tracey Martin, Darren Douglass, Debbie Hughes, and Alex Kemp about digital health innovation and challenges in New Zealand.This episode explores the latest developments in digital health and aged care in New Zealand, recorded during Digital Health Week in Christchurch, hosted by Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ).The discussion covers the digital transformation roadmap for Health New Zealand, highlighting how technology, clinical leadership, and inclusive design are shaping the future of care.The episode examines the challenges and opportunities in residential aged care, including workforce pressures, funding reforms, and the practical use of AI and digital tools to support frontline staff.The evolving role of HiNZ within the health sector is explored, including efforts to foster cross-sector collaboration, drive innovation, and provide long-term governance.The conversation captures insights from industry leaders and practitioners, offering a comprehensive view of New Zealand’s approach to digital health transformation, grounded in practical, human-centred strategies.Key Takeaways✨ The future of aged residential care in NZ faces both political and practical challenges, with technology positioned to streamline processes and enable more human-centred care.🧠 Co-design and direct involvement of disabled people in digital health solutions is crucial; early engagement helps address accessibility and diversity in technological development.💼 Health New Zealand’s ten-year digital investment plan focuses on stabilising infrastructure, modernising platforms with AI and automation, and ultimately transforming clinical care and patient access.🤝 Building trust and breaking down silos in healthcare are priority strategies for HiNZ, fostering connection and collaboration across the health sector.👥 Leadership, change management, and digital upskilling initiatives are central to delivering sustainable transformation for NZ’s health workforce and systems.Timestamps00:00: Introduction00:43: Hon. Tracey Martin - Aged Care Association, NZ07:27: Darren Douglass - Acting Chief Information Technology Officer, Health NZ17:42: Debbie Hughes - Chief Executive, NZ Disability Support Network22:05: Alex Kemp - Director of Engagement/CEO, HiNZ--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full ArticleIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Carmela Sergi, CEO of the Care Economy CRC, Amanda Caples, Victoria's Chief Scientist, Jeff Malone, CEO of the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), and Trang Nguyen, CEO and Founder of SeeTreat, about the intersection of digital health, innovation, and commercialisation in Australia.The conversations explore how health technology is designed, implemented, and scaled in real care settings, with a focus on patient outcomes, workforce realities, and practical adoption.The episode includes in-depth discussion on the future of the care economy and how co-design and end-user involvement are driving more effective, compassionate, and practical solutions.The discussion also dives into the emerging role of quantum technology in healthcare, strategies for translating research into real-world products, and how cross-sector collaboration can accelerate home-grown innovation.This episode was recorded during the ANDHealth Unfiltered 2025 event in Melbourne, Australia, and features several discussions that highlight evolving trends and front-line experiences in Australian healthtech.Key Takeaways🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The Care Economy CRC focuses on integrating technology and data to uplift productivity and outcomes across aged care, disability care, early childhood education, and more, with a major emphasis on co-design and workforce involvement.🤝 Effective health innovation requires collaboration among government, academia, and industry, with models like ACMD and event conveners like ANDHealth driving partnerships.📉Technology uptake in healthcare faces barriers including workflow integration, clinician overload, and the risk of unintended consequences, making co-design with end users critical to success.🦠 Quantum technologies and advanced analytics are emerging as significant contributors to research, service delivery, and patient outcomes, with Victoria positioning itself as an ecosystem leader.💊 Translation from research to commercialisation is improving in Australia, but ongoing focus on ecosystem navigation, workforce engagement, and industry partnerships remains essential.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:28 – Carmela Sergi, CEO, Care Economy CRC08:34 – Amanda Caples, Victoria’s Chief Scientist16:34 – Jeff Malone, CEO, ACMD26:37 –Trang Nguyen, CEO & Founder, SeeTreat--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with others working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Paul Deffley and Nick White from Alcidion about their new handbook on improving patient flow within healthcare systems.The conversation explores why the handbook has been released now, its intended audience, and how its concepts can support leaders and clinicians in enhancing the movement of patients through hospitals.The discussion examines the current pressures facing hospitals, including rising patient demand, workforce challenges, and system inefficiencies, and considers why traditional approaches to patient flow are no longer sufficient.Lessons from other industries are explored, highlighting how principles such as systems thinking and Lean methodology can be adapted for healthcare.The episode emphasises the combination of real-time data, organisational culture, and continuous improvement as central to creating safer, more efficient, and patient-centred hospital systems.Key Takeaways✅ Patient flow is more than implementing digital solutions—real change requires cultural and behavioural transformation within health organisations✅ Real-time, system-wide visibility is critical for effective patient flow management and making data-driven decisions✅ Adopting approaches from other industries, like Lean principles, must be tailored to the unique clinical and operational environment of healthcare✅ Measuring a broad range of indicators beyond standard KPIs (e.g., length of stay, outliers, medically ready to discharge) provides better insights and guides improvement✅ Practical actions like shop floor engagement and prioritising system-wide visibility can drive immediate and meaningful changeTimestamps00:00 – Introduction00:47 – Who the handbook is for and its purpose01:33 – Why address patient flow now02:41 – The importance of system-wide visibility03:39 – Practical tools from the handbook05:29 – Comparing healthcare to other industries07:52 – Customising industry methods for clinical environments08:57 – Differentiating patient flow discussions from electronic patient records10:46 – The challenge of demonstrating return on investment in patient flow initiatives14:30 – Rethinking metrics for measuring success in patient flow17:27 – Actions health leaders can take today19:01 – Actionable advice for immediate implementation20:25 – How to access the handbook--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Pete Williams, CTO of Tyro Health.The episode explores the evolution of healthcare payments, including the transition from Medipass to Tyro Health and the latest trends in digital wallets.It also covers the practicalities of surcharging, regulatory changes, integrated payment solutions, and the potential impact of technologies like stablecoin and PayTo on medical payments for clinics and patients in Australia.Peter and Pete break down what these changes mean for clinics of all sizes, from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy.They discuss how seamless payment experiences can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance patient satisfaction, while also highlighting the risks and challenges practices face in a fast-moving digital payments landscape.The conversation offers practical insights, real-world examples, and a forward-looking view of where healthcare payments are heading.Key Takeaways💳 The shift to digital wallets has reshaped payments in healthcare, with over 90% of card-present transactions now happening via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or similar options.🔁 Surcharging remains a significant consideration for clinics, with around 40% of medical businesses enabling it, though regulations may change.📲 Integration between payment systems and practice management platforms is now common, driving efficiency with over 70% of clinics automating their payment and reconciliation workflows.🪙 Emerging payment innovations such as programmable money and advanced bank-to-bank systems like PayTo have the potential to change how recurring and complex healthcare payments are managed.🏦 Less than 35% of overall healthcare payments are processed through Medicare, making integration with private insurers and funders increasingly critical for clinics.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:31 – Changes since Medipass and acquisition by Tyro Health01:32 – Payment technology experiences in healthcare02:46 – Growth of the Tyro Health team03:18 – Clinic perspective on payments04:36 – Impact of digital wallets05:39 – Clinic decisions and recent regulatory changes07:22 – Surcharging rules for debit vs credit cards08:04 – Balancing payment convenience for patients08:43 – Percentage impact of payment costs on clinic margins10:03 – Integrating payments with practice management systems10:52 – Automation and three-way matching in clinics12:29 – Approaches to optimising payments13:53 – Programmable money, stablecoin, and use cases15:46 – Payment innovation and health system challenges17:01 – Distributed autonomous organisations17:21 – PayTo, direct debit, and recurring payments20:37 – Integrating more funders and improving patient experience22:29 – Wrap up and resources--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Associate Professor Colman Taylor and Alasdair Godfrey from HTANALYSTS about the evolving landscape of health technology assessment in Australia.The conversation explores how regulatory change, patient engagement and real-world evidence are reshaping the way new technologies are assessed, funded and adopted.It also examines the challenges health tech companies face when bringing innovation to market in Australia and across international settings.They share practical insights into what these changes mean for innovators, clinicians and policy-makers navigating an increasingly complex system.This episode looks at how value is defined beyond the limits of clinical trials. It also highlights why patient experience and practical implementation are becoming increasingly important in decisions about health technology.Together, these insights offer a grounded and timely perspective on the forces shaping the future of Australian health technology.Key Takeaways🔍 The "valley of death" is a significant hurdle for Australian health tech innovators, where promising technologies struggle to secure funding and market access.💡 Health Technology Assessment (HTA) frameworks are adapting to consider new dimensions such as equity, patient-centred outcomes, and system impact, beyond traditional cost and clinical effectiveness.👥 Patient engagement is increasingly recognised as critical, with patients now actively involved in advisory boards and decision-making processes, offering perspectives beyond those of clinicians.📊 Real-world evidence is helping to fill gaps left by clinical trials, providing insight into system readiness, implementation feasibility, and outcomes for diverse populations.🌏 International policy changes, particularly from the US and UK, are influencing Australia’s HTA processes and impacting access to innovative therapies for patients.Timestamps00:00:00 – Introduction00:02:05 – Overview of HTANALYSTS and their purpose00:03:26 – The “valley of death”00:05:56 – Explaining Health Technology Assessment00:07:09 – Traditional metrics vs. evolving HTA frameworks00:08:33 – Government reviews in HTA00:10:46 – The role of patient engagement and inclusion in HTA00:12:29 – Application of patient engagement00:14:10 – Real-world evidence: its role and impact00:16:27 – Faster access, data barriers, and implementation challenges00:18:21 – Agility in assessment processes00:20:09 – Examples of flexibility in healthcare guidelines00:22:26 – What innovators can do now00:23:47 – MFN policy changes in the US00:26:07 – HTANALYSTS’ role as middlemen bridging stakeholders00:27:15 – Lessons about collaboration, evidence, and early alignment00:29:06 – Importance of implementation00:29:55 – Future directions--------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dominique Powis, Chief Technology Officer at Infomedix, Dr John Lambert, Chief Clinical Information Officer for the Department of Health Tasmania, and Dr Jill Freyne, Health Industry Lead at Amazon Web Services.They discuss the practical applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare and explore its real-world operational impact.The conversation also includes insights from attendees during a live Q&A session, offering a unique opportunity to hear questions and challenges directly from healthcare professionals and technology leaders.The panel dives into real-world use cases of AI, including diagnostics, predictive analytics, improving patient outcomes, and boosting administrative efficiency.They also examine the critical importance of governance, privacy, and practical implementation when integrating AI into everyday clinical workflows.This episode was recorded live at AWS in Sydney, Australia, and is supported by Infomedix, providing an up-close look at how healthcare AI is being applied in local and global contexts.Key Takeaways ⭐ Clear problem definition, high-quality data, and context-specific solutions are crucial to successful AI applications in healthcare🤖 Predictive AI currently offers proven impact in areas such as diagnostics and early detection, while generative AI introduces unique challenges🧑‍⚕️ Human-centred design, usability, and workflow integration are critical to successful technology adoption and patient benefit🔒 Privacy, compliance, and ethical guardrails must evolve with technological advancements, particularly in data handling and patient confidentiality🌏 Sustainability, change management, and continuous improvement are essential considerations in deploying and scaling AI across the health ecosystemTimestamps 00:00 – Introduction & event overview02:00 – Panellist introductions & AI use cases06:35 – AI pattern recognition benefits08:39 – Sniff test for viable AI solutions10:23 – Administrative AI applications12:45 – Impact opportunities: patient & clinician14:28 – Administrative vs clinical AI focus15:35 – Evidence and business cases for ambient scribes20:06 – Guardrails and governance in AI22:35 – Change management for AI rollouts26:30 – Practical advice: North Star vs shiny distractions32:09 – Audience Q&A: patient privacy, data use37:39 – Use of AI in culturally diverse aged care settings44:06 – AI risks, safety, technical guardrails48:11 – Sustainability and long-term impact----------Want to keep the conversation going? The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full ArticleIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with a panel of healthcare experts, including Stephanie Hodgson, physiotherapist, health project manager and industry PhD candidate at ConsultMed; Dr Shoma Dutt, paediatric gastroenterologist and senior staff specialist at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead; Dr Matthew Lam, GP and clinical advisor to ConsultMed at Riverstone Family Medical Practice; Charlie Winstanley, general manager of cardiovascular at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust; and Dalia Croxton, senior project manager for digital health and business systems at Mater Group.The conversation dives into the evolving role of advice and guidance (A&G) models in shaping patient outcomes, clinician workflows, and healthcare access across Australia and the UK.The panel discusses practical benefits, such as reducing wait times, improving triage, and supporting GPs to manage complex cases more confidently.Gain insights into how digital referral pathways and emerging technologies like AI are changing the way specialists and primary care providers collaborate.This episode also highlights lessons learned, the importance of leadership and culture, and the challenges that remain in making A&G work effectively for both clinicians and patients.Key Takeaways👩‍⚕️ Advice and guidance (A&G) allows GPs and primary care providers to obtain timely specialist input without formal referrals, helping address outpatient waitlists and geographical inequities in access to care.🚀 Examples from paediatrics, mental health, endocrinology, and other specialties show A&G resolves a significant proportion of referrals, keeping patients managed in primary care or redirecting them to more suitable services.🌏 Both Australian and UK health systems are implementing A&G at scale, with New South Wales and Queensland adopting statewide models and the NHS seeing significant appointment diversion, reducing waiting times and improving resource use.🤝 Effective A&G relies on streamlined workflows, bi-directional communication between primary and specialist care, clear referral criteria, and support for GPs as central care coordinators.🤖 The future of A&G may include multidisciplinary expansion, integration with allied health, and advanced technology such as AI to improve efficiency and access for patients—while ensuring the focus remains on better outcomes and equity.Timestamps0:00 – Introduction1:18 – Stephanie Hodgson defines advice and guidance3:02 – Dr Shoma Dutt shares real-world impacts in paediatric gastroenterology 5:32 – Dr Matthew Lam describes case studies where A&G adds value and boosts equity9:54 – Stephanie Hodgson discusses the impact of data and equity 13:01 – Dr Shoma Dutt on developing a statewide referral criteria 16:43 – Charlie Winstanley talks about A&G adoption 23:11 – Panel consensus on key ingredients for scaling A&G: leadership, technology, education, making it frictionless for GPs, and measuring impact33:07 – Dalia Croxton on A&G transparency for patients35:20 – Charlie Winstanley and Stephanie Hodgson explore future directions40:21 – Dr Matthew Lam on keeping patient outcomes at the centre-------Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Nalaka Withanage, CEO and co-founder of Data Capture Experts, the organisation behind the Digital Health Platform DC2Vue.The discussion explores the fragmentation of data in healthcare and the importance of longitudinal care records.They also examine the evolving role of digital health platforms compared to traditional EHRs, along with the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence and data governance in healthcare innovation.Dive into the practical steps healthcare organisations can take to build strong data foundations, improve interoperability, and create workflows that truly support person-centred care.The conversation also goes beyond the hype around AI, examining how real value emerges only when technology is underpinned by complete, accurate, and context-rich data.Key Takeaways🗂️ Data fragmentation in healthcare is a core challenge, often caused by the use of multiple, siloed systems across various care settings.👩‍⚕️ Longitudinal care records provide a continuous, patient-centred view across different healthcare touchpoints, improving care coordination and outcomes.🔑 Foundational data quality and integration are essential for enabling advanced analytics, artificial intelligence adoption, and workflow optimisation.🔒 Privacy, consent management, and security, using principles like zero trust, must be embedded in digital health platforms to balance innovation with safety.🚀 To unlock the full value of AI in healthcare, organisations should focus on strong data foundations, process-oriented thinking, and workflow automation before layering in advanced technologies.Timestamps00:00:00 — Introduction00:01:25 — Why data fragmentation persists in healthcare00:02:54 — What is a longitudinal care record00:03:59 — Highlighting benefits of longitudinal health records00:05:08 — Differences between Digital Health platforms and traditional EHRs00:07:38 — The role of AI in digital health00:11:12 — Balancing innovation with privacy, security, and governance00:14:04 — Key advice for healthcare CIOs on leveraging data and AI00:15:14 — The roadmap for DC2 View and trends in virtual care and remote patient monitoring———Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Leon Young, CEO and Founder at Cogniss, and Dr Frank Iorfino, Associate Professor at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney.The discussion focuses on no-code health technology platforms, digital mental health solutions, and the challenges and opportunities in delivering predictive and preventative healthcare, particularly in youth mental health.The episode covers Cogniss' evolution, the role of digital and predictive tools in healthcare systems, and real-world applications in clinical research and practice.The conversation offers insights into how health professionals can use no-code platforms to build, refine, and scale digital solutions, the importance of personalisation in mental health care, and the ways predictive analytics can identify risks and support early intervention.It also examines the barriers to scaling innovation in health systems and how collaborative approaches are helping to bridge the gap between pilots and broader implementation.Practical examples of digital health tools in action are highlighted, from apps supporting youth mental health to predictive solutions for conditions such as sepsis and chronic illness.Key Takeaways✨ No-code technology enables health professionals and researchers to build, maintain, and scale digital health solutions more efficiently, reducing development costs and barriers to market entry.🤝 Effective prediction and early intervention in healthcare, particularly mental health, require accessible digital solutions that can personalise care, track outcomes, and help prevent illness escalation.📱 Real-world applications, such as using wearables and health data integration for predictive models, are being developed for youth mental health and chronic conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.🔗 The challenge of delivering digital therapeutics at scale stems from complex procurement, a lack of clear ownership in health systems, and the need for unified infrastructures that support solution interoperability and patient data control.🌏 Initiatives like Ripple aim to support priority populations and address gaps in digital health by building a catalogue of evidence-based solutions targeted to specific health challenges, such as women’s health and youth mental health.Timestamps & Main Topics00:00 Introduction01:08 Leon Young introduces himself and Cogniss02:57 Dr Frank Iorfino shares his experience in youth mental health and digital solutions04:08 Discussion on the importance of early intervention06:21 The vision for predictive tools08:28 Dr Frank Iorfino explains the Mind Your Mind app10:54 Researcher challenges and the value of no-code platforms13:01 Adapting no-code solutions beyond white-labelled apps14:09 Growing the platform through demand-driven development17:03 The need for infrastructure that can deploy multiple digital solutions19:49 Areas of highest potential for predictive healthcare technologies20:36 Examples of predictive health projects22:12 Dr Iorfino expands on why youth mental health is a pressing priority24:51 Barriers to scaling predictive and preventative healthcare solutions26:11 Developing a marketplace approach to better match innovations30:37 Closing remarks and how to connect with Cogniss----Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Brad Gwyther, Principal Consultant at Imprivata, to explore the evolving landscape of secure access and identity management in clinical settings. The conversation focuses on the New Zealand healthcare ecosystem while highlighting trends and challenges that resonate globally.Brad and Peter discuss the daily struggles clinicians face with password management, the risks of weak access controls, and the impact of inefficient authentication on both patient safety and clinical workflow.They also examine modern approaches to secure access, including passwordless authentication, biometric logins, single sign-on, and mobile device management.These solutions can streamline clinical workflows while maintaining rigorous security and meeting audit requirements.The discussion also delves into practical lessons for implementing authentication solutions across desktop and mobile environments, addressing the complexities of shared workstations, roving staff, and multiple applications.This episode was recorded live at the Imprivata booth during HiNZ Digital Healthcare Week in New Zealand, providing listeners with real-world examples of how hospitals are modernising access management to improve efficiency, accountability, and patient care.Key takeaways🔑 Password management and the shift towards passwordless authentication are key concerns in healthcare, due to multiple system access requirements🩺 Implementing secure, efficient authentication methods that can help clinicians provide better patient care without interruption🛡️ Security needs to be balanced with ease of access, tailored to different workflows and physical locations within healthcare facilities📱 Mobile device management and secure shared device usage are becoming increasingly important as clinical mobility grows🌏 The drive towards efficient, secure access is a global issue, with maturity and practices varying across organisations, but a common goal shared worldwideTimestamps00:00 – Introduction00:50 – Brad Gwyther explains his role at Imprivata01:25 – Needs of Imprivata’s customers in New Zealand02:52 – Balancing security and ease of use in clinical authentication04:01 – Passwordless authentication and ongoing challenges05:55 – Implementation process07:18 – Integrating clinical applications and systems08:36 – Mobile device management and traceability09:44 – Global challenges in secure access for healthcare11:15 – Innovations in authentication and aligning tech with clinical workflows___Want to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this audio-only episode of Talking HealthTech, Dr Max Mollenkopf, a Newcastle GP and practice owner, speaks with Tim Doyle, founder and CEO of Eucalyptus, about the evolution and future of primary care in Australia.The discussion explores Eucalyptus’s digital health model, how it is changing patient experiences, supporting clinicians, and connecting with traditional general practice.The conversation covers key challenges facing healthcare today, including continuity of care, regulatory considerations, clinician engagement, and the shifting expectations of patients in a digital era.They share candid insights on scaling digital clinics, balancing technology with human connection, and the opportunities and limitations of hybrid care models.This episode offers practical perspectives on how digital and traditional care can work together, the evolving role of the GP, and what the next generation of Australian healthcare may look like.Key Takeaways🩺 The rise of digital-first clinics is changing how patients interact with primary care, focusing on convenience and continuity through technology.👩‍⚕️ Clinician independence and quality assurance, including pre-screening and audit systems, are central to responsible digital healthcare delivery.💡 Patient engagement is evolving, with increased demand for more data, self-ownership of health, and a desire for ongoing support beyond traditional appointments.💬 The lines between wellness, primary care, and marketplace health products are blurring, raising questions around clinician roles, value, and regulation.🔗 Integrating digital and in-person (hybrid) care paths is viewed as essential for the future, with attention to necessary safeguards, incentives, and patient consent.Timestamps00:00 — Introduction00:36 —Dr. Max Mollenkopf on panel experiences and challenging ideas02:02 —Tim Doyle explains Eucalyptus’s origins and vision06:11 — Addressing continuity, fragmentation, and care platforms13:29 — Access to health information and regulatory challenges17:33 — Business models, clinician obligations, and monetisation24:45 — Regulation, industrial standards, and cannabis clinics26:58 — Quality audits and the role of technology in large-scale care32:23 — Value in care, rebates, and consulting models37:00 — The intersection of wellness, screening, and preventative health42:38 — A hybrid model for future healthcareWant to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here:View Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Dr Vienna Tran, Professor Gordon Cable, and Dr Lisa Brown to explore the fascinating intersection of healthcare and space.The discussion focuses on space medicine and how clinicians care for astronauts living in microgravity, exposed to radiation, and operating far from Earth’s hospitals.Learn about the unique challenges of human physiology in space, from fluid shifts and bone loss to immune changes and heightened cancer risks.The panel also examines how technologies developed for astronauts, including wearable health monitors, AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine systems, and on-demand medical tools, are now being adapted for remote and resource-limited healthcare settings on Earth.The conversation highlights the parallels between rural healthcare in Australia and medicine in space, drawing on lessons from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other innovative programs.It also explores the role of international collaboration, cross-disciplinary research, and microgravity studies in shaping the future of both space missions and terrestrial medicine.Key Takeaways🚀 Space medicine is likened to extreme remote healthcare, highlighting autonomy and resourcefulness.🧑‍🔬 Technologies originally developed for space, like telemedicine and imaging tools, now benefit rural healthcare in Australia.🌱 Innovations such as plant growth research and pharmaceuticals in microgravity have Earth applications, impacting food security and medicine shelf-life.🧠 Deep space missions require new psychological and physical support systems due to isolation and altered gravity.🩺 Collaborative research in Australia and New Zealand is advancing knowledge in areas like organ health, gallstone formation, and cancer associated with space environments.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction02:13 – Dr Vienna Tran22:25 – Professor Gordon Cable39:20 – Dr Lisa BrownWant to keep the conversation going?The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here:View the Full Article HereIn the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

This is a special bonus episode of the Talking Healthtech podcast featuring one of the shows in our Podcast Network called MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast.In this episode of the MSIA Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Kirk Kikirekov from HealthTrack, Chris Smeed from Cubico, Dr Safwan Sayyal from Sayyal Health Services, Helen Souris from Cardihab, Cameron Sampson from Telstra Health, Maxwell Holmes from MediRecords, Marcus Wilson from Surgical Partners, Robert Best from MIMS, Jan Chaffey and Cameron Jaffrey from Stat Health. This special episode is focused on essential software tools for GPs and specialists, highlighting the leading solutions helping Australian healthcare providers streamline processes, maintain safety, improve efficiency, and support sustainability.A series of in-depth interviews with founders, CEOs, clinicians, and product leads from multiple companies serving primary and specialist care. Covering the development and evolution of clinical and practice management systems, data integration, digital transformation, medication safety, multidisciplinary care, billing and business optimisation, and prevention. Key Takeaways:Integrating digital capture of medical devices and medication usage at the point of care improves workflow efficiency. Helping clinicians respond swiftly to recalls and ensure accurate billing and stock management (Kirk Kikirekov, Dr Safwan Sayyal).The transition from on-premises to cloud-based practice management systems is an ongoing journey, with organisations navigating security, connectivity, regulatory requirements, and clinician preferences. (Maxwell Holmes, Cameron Sampson, Jan Chaffey, Cameron Jaffrey).Evidence-based digital therapeutics and preventive care technologies, such as remote cardiac rehabilitation platforms, demonstrate improved outcomes (e.g., reduction in hospital bed days), greater equity of access, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional care. (Helen Souris).Robust reporting, analytics, and care optimisation tools help practices spot care opportunities, improve outcomes, and strengthen financial health. Seamless integration with existing systems delivers daily data-driven insights while supporting compliance and long-term sustainability. (Chris Smeed, Marcus Wilson).Authoritative medication information and up-to-date decision support enable safe prescribing and dispensing. Centralised resources like MIMS provide clinicians with real-time PBS updates, reliable medication guidance, and safe management tools, while also supporting IT vendors through trusted partnerships. (Robert Best).Interoperability across platforms within practices and large organisations is becoming essential. Open APIs, FHIR standards, and marketplace models make it easier to connect add-ons, integrate technologies like AI scribes, and tailor workflows to varied clinical needs.(Maxwell Holmes, Cameron Sampson, Jan Chaffey, Cameron Jaffrey).Business efficiency in healthcare relies not only on clinical excellence but also transparent, automated financial management. (Marcus Wilson).Industry collaboration among software vendors, government, professional groups, and clinicians is essential in navigating digital health challenges, supporting innovation, and driving adoption of tools that demonstrably improve care quality and organisational sustainability.The MSIA Good Tech Podcast responds to hot health topics through expert commentary with practical working responses from industry. Each episode brings you expert commentary and practical insights from industry leaders and professionals. The MSIA addresses pressing health topics and offering tangible solutions. Our goal is to spotlight challenges, bridge gaps, and uncover opportunities that enhance healthcare standards. Whether you're a professional within health service delivery or committed to staying abreast of best practices in Australia, join us for a deep dive into critical issues like AI, aged care, interoperability, primary health care tools and more. With real-life case studies, we demonstrate how cutting-edge technology is transforming healthcare, one solution at a time.This show is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

This is a special bonus episode of the Talking Healthtech podcast featuring one of the shows in our Podcast Network called MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast.In this episode of the MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Gerard Stevens from Webster Care, Dr Ben Hurst from HotDoc, Dr Frank Pyefinch and Lorraine Pyefinch from Best Practice, and Jenny O’Neil from Episoft about the journeys of industry founders, inventors, and stars who have shaped the landscape of Australian health technology.Covering the personal stories behind the development of well-known products such as the Webster Pack, HotDoc, Best Practice, and Episoft. Each guest shares the inspiration that led to their innovations, challenges faced during their development, and the ongoing impact of their work within healthcare. Exploring topics in creating practical technology for medication management, driving efficiency in clinical settings, the role of practitioner founders in product success, interoperability, and advice for new entrants to the sector. Focusing on real-world problems, the iterative nature of health tech innovation, and the critical need to address evolving requirements in the industry.Key Takeaways:The Webster Pack was developed to improve medication compliance and patient independence, now widely recognised in aged care and community settings.HotDoc enables GPs to reduce administrative burden and focus on quality patient care, offering digital solutions for bookings and patient engagement.Best Practice originated from the direct needs of clinicians and grew through continuous feedback, practical innovation, and strong industry standards.Founders with clinical backgrounds are well-placed to identify practical problems and build relevant solutions, as demonstrated by Best Practice and Episoft.Addressing interoperability and standardisation (such as adopting FHIR) is critical for efficiency and future-proofing industry partnerships.The MSIA Good Tech Podcast responds to hot health topics through expert commentary with practical working responses from industry. Each episode brings you expert commentary and practical insights from industry leaders and professionals. The MSIA addresses pressing health topics and offering tangible solutions. Our goal is to spotlight challenges, bridge gaps, and uncover opportunities that enhance healthcare standards. Whether you're a professional within health service delivery or committed to staying abreast of best practices in Australia, join us for a deep dive into critical issues like AI, aged care, interoperability, primary health care tools and more. With real-life case studies, we demonstrate how cutting-edge technology is transforming healthcare, one solution at a time.This show is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Max Mollenkopf, Dr Michael Bonning, and Dr Nicole Sleeman at GP25, the annual conference for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in Brisbane.The episode covers the changing landscape of general practice in Australia, with a focus on the involvement of private health insurers in primary care, recent bulk billing changes, the environmental impact of healthcare, and the role of artificial intelligence.This episode was recorded during GP25 in Brisbane, the largest national gathering dedicated to general practice, organised by RACGP.Key Takeaways🌱 The increasing presence of private health insurers in primary care raises questions about patient outcomes, funding models, and the viability of independent clinics.💸 Changes to bulk billing are shifting the financial landscape for GPs, with government policy aiming to relieve cost-of-living pressures for patients but introducing new considerations for clinic owners.🌏 Healthcare contributes significantly to carbon emissions in Australia, and there are opportunities to decarbonise the sector by focusing on prevention, reducing low-value care, and adopting low-carbon options in clinical practice.🤝 The general practice sector must define and advocate for its core strengths amidst disruption by corporate interests and technology, particularly the integration of AI in supporting clinical decision making.🚦 Clinicians and clinic owners can take actionable steps, such as joining advocacy groups, reviewing care practices, and engaging in preventative health, to respond proactively to these sector changes.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Dr Max Mollenkopf06:43 – Dr Michael Bonning16:33 – Dr Nicole SleemanCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information, visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with technology consultant, Dr Shane Black, and Associate Professor Amina Tariq and Professor Steven McPhail from The Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).The discussion covers the current wave of artificial intelligence in healthcare, exploring its real-world implementation, governance, workforce readiness, and how clinicians and technologists can collaborate effectively.The guests share their experience and perspectives on digital health transformation, the challenges of adopting new technologies, and the evolving role of AI in Australian healthcare.They also dive into practical examples of AI in action, from AI-powered scribes easing administrative burdens to tools that support clinical decision-making.The episode highlights the importance of human-centred design, adaptive governance, and building trust among clinicians and patients.Listeners will gain insight into how AI is being thoughtfully integrated into Australian healthcare, balancing innovation with safety, workforce needs, and patient outcomes.Key Takeaways✨ AI adoption happens in waves, moving from hype to normalisation, requiring realistic expectations and robust capability building🧠 Effective governance in healthcare doesn’t have to slow innovation; adaptive frameworks can support safe and agile implementation💬 Human factors and real-world workflows are critical when designing and implementing healthcare technology solutions🤝 Workforce readiness and co-design, embedding digital health concepts into clinical education and involving clinicians in design, leads to better outcomes⚡ AI tools are increasingly seen as essential infrastructure, with growing clinician and patient comfort, but trust and ongoing usability remain crucialTimestamps00:00 – Introductions and overview of panellist backgrounds05:18 – Is the AI bubble in healthcare about to burst, or just mature?07:59 – Differences in risk tolerance between tech and health, and how that affects adoption10:33 – Sustainability and the risk of “serial piloters” in healthcare AI13:22 – Sentiment toward AI in healthcare vs other industries18:08 – How real-world workflows affect technology adoption20:02 – Growing public and healthcare professional awareness and trust in AI tools21:53 – Governance strategies and balancing safety with speed25:22 – The need for responsive, risk-tiered governance frameworks28:02 – AI’s place in healthcare: from a “bubble” to essential infrastructure30:43 – Role of flexibility and user choice in AI adoption32:03 – Trust, augmentation vs automation, and failed AI pilots34:47 – Real use cases: AI scribes and clinician-patient interaction36:34 – Building meaningful workforce readiness for AI38:08 – Embedding digital health and AI literacy in clinical training43:07 – Rethinking workforce composition to support technology adoption44:23 – Closing remarks and further resourcesCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information, visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dan Wijeratne from Modern Innovations about the evolving landscape of billing and operational efficiency in Australian primary care clinics.They discuss the recent and upcoming changes to Medicare bulk billing incentives, the challenges faced by general practices in adapting to shifting business models, and how tools like MyGPMPtool are helping clinics manage chronic disease care more effectively.The conversation also explores the broader impact of technology on patient experience and clinic sustainability. Listeners will learn how digital tools can streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and support coordinated chronic disease management, allowing practices to deliver higher-quality care while maintaining financial viability. The discussion highlights practical strategies for both bulk billing and mixed billing clinics to adapt to policy changes and remain resilient in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.Key Takeaways🔄 The shift between bulk billing and mixed billing models is having a significant impact on clinic operations, influenced by new Medicare incentives and changing patient demographics.📝 Effective chronic disease management (CDM) relies heavily on operational efficiency and the adoption of digital tools to streamline care planning, eligibility tracking, and patient engagement.👩‍⚕️ Clinics are facing challenges in workforce adaptation, particularly in redistributing CDM-related workflows between nurses and GPs as expectations and demands increase.⏱️ Simple digital process improvements, such as removing paperwork and automating reminders, can result in substantial time and cost savings for clinics.📈 Modern Innovations is developing new CRM and AI features within MyGPMPtool to further support practice efficiency, patient engagement, and care continuity, including upcoming modules for aged care and advanced patient segmentation.Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction and overview of MyGPMP tool with Dan Wijeratne00:00:43 – Differences between acute and chronic disease management in general practice00:01:54 – Understanding Medicare item numbers and billing for CDM services00:03:04 – Changes to CDM workflows post-1 July and impacts on GPs00:05:22 – How technology addresses administrative burdens and inefficiencies in care planning00:07:05 – Key features of MyGPMP tool and use of AI for workflow optimisation00:08:44 – The benefits of streamlined CDM processes for patient outcomes00:10:24 – Importance of collaborative, cloud-based solutions for multidisciplinary care00:11:21 – Current priorities and opportunities for GPs in 2025, and market trends00:13:30 – The future of healthcare technology, CRM systems, and patient engagementCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information, visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Ben Hurst, CEO of HotDoc, about evolving patient engagement, clinic efficiency, compliance burdens, and the future of hybrid healthcare delivery in Australia.The conversation explores how HotDoc supports GPs and medical centres with digital tools to automate administrative processes, balance regulatory changes, offer flexible work arrangements, and improve access to care for patients in an increasingly virtual environment.The discussion also highlights the growing pressures on general practice, including workforce shortages, rising patient demand, and competition from virtual-only providers and digital health apps.Listeners will gain insight into how clinics can leverage technology to streamline workflows, capture patient information more effectively, and deliver personalised care, all while supporting doctors in managing burnout and maintaining work-life balance.This episode offers practical perspectives for GPs, practice managers, and healthtech innovators looking to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of primary care.Key Takeaways🩺 The burden of compliance and administrative changes, such as payroll regulations and MyMedicare requirements, creates significant process challenges for GP clinics.⚙️ Automating tasks like recalls, reminders, and bulk-billing consent can improve efficiency and free up time for doctors to focus on clinical care.🌐 The rise of virtual healthcare and online consults is changing patient expectations, with convenience and accessibility taking priority, leading clinics to adapt with solutions like asynchronous quick consults and telehealth on demand.👨‍⚕️ Flexibility for doctors, including hybrid and virtual care models, is crucial to address burnout and ensure sustainable practice amid an impending GP shortage.🔍 Capturing patient intent, matching them with specialised providers, and leveraging technology to serve up relevant information are opportunities for further innovation in patient care pathways.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and HotDoc’s mission01:04 – 13 years of HotDoc and supporting GPs with administration02:11 – Patient engagement and streamlining workflows03:32 – Compliance challenges: MyMedicare, assignment of benefit04:38 – GP clinic operations and shifting processes06:00 – Impact of regulatory changes on clinic efficiency08:00 – Competition from virtual providers and patient expectations10:03 – Quick consults, asynchronous care, and responding to convenience demands14:05 – GP workforce shortages, burnout, and capacity challenges16:42 – Flexibility in GP work patterns and reducing burnout18:53 – Benefits of virtual care for information capture20:08 – Personalised intent-based patient matching and technology’s role24:06 – Clinics’ priorities for 2025: automation, differentiation, sub-specialisation, and hybrid-care models27:47 – Closing thoughts and future priorities for HotDocCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information, visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with a line-up of innovators, founders and CEOs participating in the ANDHealth Digital and Connected Health Commercialisation Showcase and the ANDHealth Plus Programme.Recorded at the event in Canberra, this episode highlights successes from Australian digital health companies and explores topics surrounding commercialisation, global expansion, regulatory hurdles, funding models, and lessons learned from building scalable healthtech solutions.This episode was recorded at the ANDHealth Digital and Connected Health Commercialisation Showcase in Canberra, celebrating milestone achievements for the participant companies in the ANDHealth Plus Programme, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Medical Research Future Fund.Key Takeaways🎤 The importance of collaboration and building global networks for healthtech commercialisation.🚀 Scaling digital health innovations internationally requires adapting to local markets and understanding cultural nuances.💡 Knowing your funding, payment, and commercialisation models is crucial for successfully bringing products to market.🧑‍⚕️ Listening to clinicians and end-users, rather than presuming their needs, drives effective product uptake.🛠 Regulatory approval, such as TGA registrations and clinical validation, remain significant steps for healthtech companies.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and event background: ANDHealth Plus Programme and MRFF anniversary00:30 – Sanji Kanaglingam on WeGuide’s expansion, scalability, and digital biomarkers03:08 – Simon Green discusses Immunosis, diagnostics for immune deficiency, and commercialisation06:31 – Carolyn Mee from Soundscouts: Funding, regulatory milestones, and sector expansion10:42 – Tina Campbell on Healthily’s approach to patient education and voice AI for engagement15:16 – Arthur Shih explains Humanetix’s clinical decision support and lessons from aged care19:07 – Dr James Waldie of Cape Bionics: Translating space sciences into compression garments24:24 – John Wright shares about Metabolic Health Solutions: Device-to-software integration and market focus27:22 – Fiona Hammond - Perx Health provides updates on Perx Health’s gamification tech and cognitive decline solutions30:30 – Bronwyn Le Grice - CEO, ANDHealth on commercialisation, digital health sector growth, and ecosystem priorities34:03 – Episode wrap up and call to actionCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Raymond Wen, Chief Growth Officer and Medical Director for Primary Care Services at Telecare Australia, about the evolution of telehealth, challenges in delivering virtual care, and Telecare's unique approach to technology-enabled healthcare service delivery.Check this episode out to gain insights into how virtual care is transforming access for rural and regional communities, from mental health support to specialist consultations.The conversation explores practical strategies for workforce flexibility, process automation, and co-designed service models, showing how Telecare combines clinical expertise and innovative technology to improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes across Australia.Key Takeaways🌏 Telehealth in Australia addresses the challenges of providing quality specialist care to rural and remote populations, leveraging virtual consultations and remote technology.🩺 Around 30–50% of clinical scenarios can be safely and effectively managed through telehealth, increasing access without compromising care quality.🔗 Co-designing new models of virtual care with stakeholders enables healthcare organisations to balance risk, optimise workflows, and support community needs when traditional service provision is under strain.💻 Telecare developed its own technology solutions, including a mobile native e-script platform and healthcare process automation tools, to solve practical issues in care delivery and staff optimisation.💡 The future of virtual care involves continued innovation in automation and integration, focusing first on solving “boring” admin and engagement challenges before fully harnessing AI potential.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and overview of Telecare’s background02:33 – Telecare's role and services in Australian healthcare04:40 – The impact and evolution of telehealth for rural communities06:14 – Types of care best suited for telehealth and what Telecare does10:41 – Risk assessment and co-design in developing new care models13:23 – Building technology versus using market solutions; motivations and outcomes17:35 – Service enablement, process automation, and operational efficiency20:23 – Telecare’s acquisition by Teladoc and implications for future growth22:14 – The future of telehealth/virtual care and the role of AI24:43 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-upCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information, visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Josh Ayscough, Utiliti Group Partner, about investment in healthtech, navigating innovation in healthcare, and the different approaches to scaling health technology businesses in Australia and globally.They explore Josh Ayscough's background, the investment focus at Utiliti Group, and how founders can effectively pitch their healthtech solutions to investors and customers.The conversation also delves into the shift towards consumer-centric healthcare, the practical applications of AI, and the importance of building interdisciplinary teams.Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of funding, regulation, and scaling in the Australian health tech ecosystem, as well as strategies for forming partnerships and driving meaningful impact.This episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to innovate and succeed in a complex, evolving industry.Key Takeaways🧑‍💼 Founder-market fit is critical: Investors look for founders who deeply understand the problem they’re solving, ideally with sector experience or a strong advisory board.💸 Demonstrating clear patient or sector benefit is a priority for healthtech investors, not just the commercial proposition.🌏 Australia’s healthtech ecosystem is strong but highly regulated, compared to the “guardrails-off” landscape in markets like the US.🤖 AI isn’t mandatory for healthtech success, but founders need to articulate their position on AI and its relevance for their solution.🔗 Early-stage healthtech solutions should nail a core problem first, then build strategic partnerships to enhance growth, scaling globally is not always necessary, and local impact can also be a meaningful goal.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Greg McDavitt, physician executive and director of healthcare industry strategy at ServiceNow, and Andrew Dome, Chief Digital Information Officer at Uniting New South Wales Act, about the "hidden tax" on healthcare.The discussion examines the non-financial burdens that affect efficiency and patient care, and how technology can help reduce administrative overhead.It also looks at the emerging role of artificial intelligence in streamlining workflows across healthcare organisations.The episode explores the practical challenges facing care providers and examines how technology can improve outcomes for both staff and patients.Key Takeaways🚀 The "hidden tax" in healthcare refers to the unrecognised administrative tasks that consume clinicians’ and care workers’ time, impacting their ability to focus on direct patient care.📱 Leveraging mobile tools and voice-to-text technology can save valuable minutes per day for frontline staff, enhancing both efficiency and quality of care.🤖 Technology is not always the solution; digitising poor processes can create more friction, but AI and better-designed systems hold the promise of fundamentally changing or removing burdensome workflows.🧑‍💼 A successful tech transition requires buy-in across all levels, from frontline workers to boards, and must be business-driven rather than solely led by IT.🔄 The adoption and role of artificial intelligence in healthcare is evolving rapidly; organisations must continuously review use cases, ethical boundaries, and investment rationale to harness AI effectively and responsibly.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Jason Ward, co-founder and CEO of EQL, about the evolution of digital health in musculoskeletal (MSK) care across Australia and the UK. Jason discusses the story behind founding EQL and the factors that shaped its approach to digital MSK care. He also examines the different funding and access challenges faced in Australia and the UK, highlighting how local healthcare structures influence the delivery of care.Key Takeaways💡 EQL uses technology to empower patients and clinicians, enhancing access to MSK care through digital triage and rehabilitation pathways.🌏 Differences between the UK and Australian healthcare systems, including funding models, rural access issues, and workers’ compensation, shape how digital MSK solutions are deployed.📊 Demonstrating return on investment (ROI) is central to EQL’s model, evidenced by recent pilots in Australia that delivered a 14:1 ROI for employers and insurance partners.🤝 EQL works both with in-house clinicians and partner organisations, delivering care via digital, in-person, and hybrid pathways to meet diverse workplace and population needs.🔮 The future of digital MSK care involves careful adoption of AI and scaled technology, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and equitable access, especially in remote or underserved communities.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Mecaela Couper, specialist solution consultant for healthcare, Colby Rook, senior account executive for healthcare, and Dr Greg McDavitt, physician executive and director for healthcare, all from ServiceNow.The discussion covers the role of artificial intelligence and technology in reducing administrative burden for clinicians, improving patient outcomes, and optimising workflows within the healthcare sector.The episode explores the intersection of digital transformation and the unique human elements that are central to effective healthcare delivery, based on insights from both clinical and technology backgrounds.Key Takeaways💡 The critical importance of freeing clinicians from administrative tasks to allow more time for patient care and improving outcomes.🖥️ Effective digital transformation in healthcare is often "invisible" to the patient, improving systems and processes behind the scenes rather than at the point of care.🤝 Co-designing technology solutions with frontline clinicians and gathering feedback ensures tools are genuinely useful and easy to adopt in practice.🔒 Implementing strong governance and risk management around AI tools is vital, including controlling access and monitoring data privacy.🔄 Transformation efforts should be holistic, considering impacts across the whole healthcare ecosystem, from frontline staff to back-office operations and the broader continuum of care.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Ramya Raman, Rafiah Ansari, Andrew Aho, and Farhoud Salimi about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital health.Topics covered include clinical governance, digital health ethics, women’s health data, interoperability, AI, connected care, and the importance of partnerships across healthcare and technology.This episode was recorded during HIC 2025, hosted by the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) in Melbourne.It features conversations captured in the Digital Health Studio throughout the event, covering panels, keynotes, and interview sessions with innovators and leaders from across the healthcare technology space.Key Takeaways✨ Clinical governance, ethics, and research translation are critical for driving sustainable digital health innovation🌏 Global perspectives (UK, Canada, US) offer lessons for local implementations in Australia🧑‍⚕️ Women’s health data has historical biases; femtech and digital health can help address gaps for diverse populations🔗 Connected care depends on interoperability, collaboration, and data standards to support clinicians and improve patient outcomes🤖 Artificial intelligence and unified data platforms are expanding capabilities but require strong privacy, governance, and clinician involvementCheck out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information, visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Steve Lewis, founder of Nabu, about his personal journey into health tech, the creation of Nabu, and the challenges of coordinating complex healthcare for patients with special needs.Steve shares how his own experiences caring for his daughter Bowie inspired him to develop tools that help patients, families, and support workers better manage the demands of the healthcare system.They cover the realities of patient navigation, the role of digital tools in improving outcomes, and the importance of human collaboration alongside technology.Key Takeaways🧩 Lived experience shapes innovation: Steve’s journey as a parent navigating paediatric and intensive care environments drove the creation of Nabu, aiming to bridge gaps he faced first-hand in the healthcare system.📲 Practical patient empowerment: Nabu focuses on helping patients and families easily coordinate appointments, medications, and care plans without overwhelming them or relying solely on electronic health records.🔄 Communication and collaboration matter: The app streamlines sharing critical information with family members, support workers, and professionals, reducing the risks of missed details and improving overall continuity of care.🛡️ Safety in support: Features verifying support worker credentials and making handovers simpler are emphasised to mitigate risks for vulnerable patients.🌏 Piloting for impact: The next steps for Nabu involves coordinated pilot programs with providers in Australia and overseas, to quantify its effect on health outcomes and demonstrate support for patients, families, and clinicians.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Charles Papp (Founder and CEO, KRE8 IT and KRE8 My Health) and Steven Whittington (allied health consultant and co-founder, KRE8 My Health) about interoperability in healthcare.The discussion covers the challenges of connecting fragmented health data, the role of FHIR standards, their journey forming KRE8 My Health, and practical examples of how better data exchange can improve outcomes for clinicians and patients. The episode explores recent developments such as Smart Health Link and Australian Patient Summary standards, as well as how managed services can bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern interoperability requirements.Key Takeaways🩺 Interoperability remains a major challenge in healthcare, with legacy systems and inconsistent data standards making it difficult to exchange information effectively.🖥️ FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) and new standards like Smart Health Link are helping enable secure, standardised sharing of patient summaries and health data between systems and individuals.🔗 Managed interoperability services can allow software vendors and startups to achieve compliance and connectivity without becoming experts in complex health data standards.👩‍⚕️ Improved interoperability empowers both clinicians and patients to access and share medical information, boosting health literacy and supporting safer, more timely care.📱 Tools like Smart Health Exchange allow sharing of health records via encrypted links or QR codes, making data accessible even for those without advanced IT systems.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Simon Kos, Chief Clinical Officer for ANZ at Microsoft; Georgia James, Director for VicKey Statewide CRM at Austin Health; and Alan Pritchard, Director of EMR and ICT Services at Austin Health.The conversation covers the development and rollout of a statewide Microsoft Dynamics-based CRM for health services in Victoria, with a focus on digital referral management, patient communication, automation, and the use of AI in improving health system processes and outcomes.Key Takeaways🏥 The Victorian Statewide CRM project, based on Microsoft Dynamics, began as a solution to surgical audit and patient communication challenges at Austin Health. It has since expanded, now supporting referral management and inter-hospital transfer processes across metropolitan and regional health services in Victoria.📋 Managing healthcare referrals is typically a complex, paper-driven and inefficient process. The new digital referral management system standardises and digitises this workflow, improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring timely patient care.🤝 The importance of co-design and collaboration between health services, IT teams, and clinicians was highlighted. Rollouts involved extensive workshops and change management, with an emphasis on capturing the "80%" common process across services while allowing flexibility for local variation.🤖 AI is being explored to support and augment referral processes, such as classifying incoming documents, summarising referral content, and identifying hidden health issues within referrals. The approach ensures clinical oversight and gradual adoption for trust and safety.🔗 The system is designed to promote federated innovation—allowing a collaborative framework where new features can be rolled out at scale and shared across services, rather than every service building in isolation.📊 Leveraging enterprise data and digitising previously manual or paper-based MVPs (like post-it note reminders or spreadsheets) enables ongoing process improvement and scalable healthcare innovation.⚖️ Equity considerations were also discussed: digital solutions need to be accessible, especially for vulnerable populations, to avoid widening the digital divide in healthcare.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Declan Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Eolas Medical, about the challenges and opportunities in healthcare knowledge management. They explore how clinicians can better access both external medical evidence and context-specific internal knowledge, the importance of technology in surfacing reliable information at the point of care, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in supporting decision making in healthcare environments.Key Takeaways:📚 Knowledge Management in Healthcare: Declan explains that clinicians need access to both external, evidence-based guidelines and internal, site-specific procedures to make informed decisions. Both are often difficult to surface when needed, leading to inefficiency and frustration.💡 Origin of Eolas Medical: The platform was created out of a real need identified within hospitals—difficulty in finding practical information quickly, particularly context-specific pathways and contacts. "Eolas" is derived from the Irish word for knowledge.🤖 Technology and Extraction: Eolas uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to extract and visually ground information from both internal documents (like policies and flowcharts buried on intranets) and external sources, ensuring that clinicians can trace answers to their original sources.🔒 AI's Role and Safety Considerations: Artificial intelligence, especially large language models, can support information retrieval but must be carefully governed, regulated, and validated for safety and trust. The adoption of such solutions varies globally due to differing regulatory environments.⚖️ Balancing Usability and Governance: Declan shares the tension between making technology user-friendly for clinicians and maintaining rigorous governance, security, and privacy—finding the right balance is ongoing and vital for uptake.📈 Adoption and Impact: Eolas has seen significant uptake among clinicians by addressing their need for immediate, trustworthy, actionable information at the point of care. The company emphasises a careful, department-by-department rollout in healthcare organisations to build evidence and trust.🚀 Future Directions: The conversation touches on the broad future of healthcare technology, speculating about the combined power of AI, knowledge management, and system interoperability over the next decades.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level?Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Claire Holt, Technical Health Information Manager at Austin Health, about the role of data management and digital health transformation in tertiary hospitals. The discussion focuses on the integration of new data capture solutions within Austin Health, with a special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities surrounding legacy systems, workflow transformation, stakeholder engagement, and mandatory reporting.This episode was recorded live at HIC 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, at the Data Capture Experts booth on the expo floor.Key Takeaways:🏥 Austin Health's Digital Landscape: With over 200 clinical systems, Austin Health's approach to technology must consider integration, interoperability, and minimising workflow disruption for clinicians.🔗 The Role of Health Information Managers: Health information managers bridge the gap between IT, clinical operations, and data reporting, ensuring legislative compliance and meaningful use of collected data.⚙️ Addressing Legacy System Challenges: Facing an end-of-life legacy software system that processed over 120,000 annual client contacts, Austin Health identified the need for a modern solution that could expand functionality and support broader use cases.🚀 Implementation and Change Management: Accelerated timelines and the addition of new modules – such as community mental health – required robust collaboration, business process engagement, and agile change management strategies.💻 Data Capture Experts Solution: Streamlined administrative functions allowed for improved referral, appointment booking, care management, and reporting – moving away from siloed spreadsheets towards integrated workflows.📊 Workflow Evolution: The new system enabled better visibility across teams, accurate activity reporting, and improved patient care continuity, especially for patients accessing multiple services.🤝 Advice for Vendors: Collaborative approaches with health information managers and strong technical-business translation are essential when building and implementing solutions in health settings.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

A referral should be the start of a patient’s care journey, not a roadblock. Yet too often, paper forms, phone tag and admin delays get in the way.In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Emily Manning, Sales Manager at Global Health, about how smarter referral management is reshaping Australian healthcare. Emily explains how MasterCare+ streamlines workflows for clinics, hospitals and community providers – reducing risk, freeing up staff time and improving the patient experience.Key Takeaways:🔄 Referral management is a critical but often overlooked part of healthcare workflows – getting it right improves both admin efficiency and patient care.🧩 MasterCare+ is a modular SaaS platform that can run standalone or integrate with existing systems, making adoption easier.🏥 The platform was co-designed with Peninsula Health in Victoria to ensure it fits local workflows, with secure messaging, triage tools and automated intake.📊 Moving away from paper reduces errors, increases visibility via dashboards and KPIs, and frees staff for higher-value work.⚠️ The risks of sticking with paper include lost referrals, heavier admin loads, compliance issues and slower patient journeys.📈 Incremental adoption helps organisations modernise without full-scale system overhauls.🤖 Future directions include AI-powered triage, risk stratification and ongoing development guided by user feedback.Check out the episode and full show notes at Talking HealthTech.If you’re enjoying the podcast, leave us a review and share it with someone who’ll find it useful.Want to connect with other digital health leaders? Join THT+ for access to our online community, meetups, exclusive content and more: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Ricardo Herreros-Symons, Chief Strategy Officer at Speechmatics, about the evolving role of speech-to-text technologies and AI-driven ambient scribing in the healthcare sector. Ricardo shares insights from his 11 years at Speechmatics, discussing the challenges and opportunities of adapting speech recognition for medical applications, the move toward innovative AI solutions, and the importance of accuracy, privacy, and regulatory compliance in handling sensitive healthcare data.Key Takeaways:🎤 Speech-to-Text in Healthcare: Speechmatics, while established in media, live captioning, and government, has recently seen growing demand in healthcare, driven by clinicians' needs rather than top-down mandates.🩺 Ambient Scribing and Clinician Workflow: There is a shift from manual transcription—where secretaries or clinicians would type up notes—to AI-powered tools that can automatically transcribe and structure patient conversations, improving efficiency and reducing clinician cognitive load.🎯 Accuracy and Context: In healthcare, accuracy is critical due to the potential for life-or-death consequences. Effective speech recognition requires comprehensive vocabularies, the ability to handle diverse accents, and context awareness to distinguish medical terminology.🤝 Collaborative Role in Solution Delivery: Speechmatics provides foundational transcription technology behind the scenes, enabling ambient scribing platforms and EMR providers to build workflow solutions tailored for their users.🌍 Language and Localisation: Healthcare consultations occur in many languages, requiring multilingual speech recognition models. Ricardo discusses how existing language models often excel in English but may need translation pipelines and continued development for long-tail languages.🔒 Privacy and Regulation: Sensitive healthcare data requires robust privacy controls and compliance with regulations like ISO 27001 and HIPAA. Deployment options include on-premise and on-device solutions to meet varying security needs.🚀 The Future of Voice AI in Healthcare: There is a growing acceptance of AI in patient interactions, particularly among younger demographics who are comfortable with bots. Voice agents and further AI integration are seen as significant opportunities for the future of healthcare technology.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it. Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus