Australia’s public health systems struggle with the juxtaposition of being at the forefront of technology in areas such as medical research, while many of their core processes surrounding the patient remain largely wedded to a patchwork quilt of systems which fundamentally rely on paper.
The ideal healthcare system of the future - under any funding model - is typically described as being more flexible, responsive and adaptive. Such a system comprises organisations that can integrate care across geographical and organisational boundaries, and can adjust quickly to changing patient needs, to improving standards in clinical practice, and to new market conditions. Healthcare politicians, senior executives, unions and technology vendors increasingly perceive information technology as a necessary element of this adaptive, flexible and responsive health system.
Health delivery organisations continue to face complex and ever-shifting strategic and tactical challenges when transitioning to this new model. Hospitals and government agencies are increasingly vocal in their demands for improved quality and reduced costs. Patients demand personalised care. An increasing emphasis on ambulatory, community and even home care further affects hospitals.
How PwC can help you
PwC understands the complexities of health information and e-business in today’s world. Our Australian Health practice has professionals located in every capital city. These include physicians, nurses, information system professionals, former government officials, accountants, tax professionals, human resources advisors, health policy analysts, actuaries and data analysts, offering both business and clinical expertise in the full range of healthcare issues.
Our clinician supported approach creates real and sustainable change. We work with clinicians, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and the healthcare organisations to help them integrate their information and communication technology changes and data management strategies into their operations. Supporting continuity of care and self-management, a patient centred approach is our main objective.
We understand that the patient should be the focal point for all improvement initiatives. Care must be provided in an environment that respects patients’ desire for more control over their care and the management of their illness. Patients and their caregivers need to have access to secure, actionable information in the hospital and at home. Digitally-enabled processes will allow seamless interactivity between providers electronic medical records and patients’ personal health records, while ensuring that patient privacy is protected.
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