AUSTRALIA’S HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES: CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP?

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Like other mature markets located in the Asia Pacific, Australia is facing a number of healthcare challenged. These include an aging population, continued population growth, demands for access to higher quality healthcare, a shortage of medical technicians, and budgetary pressures; these are just some of the problems that are bombarding the already tight budget of the country.

Computers and networks have been utilized for years in the healthcare industry but they are typically tied to specific physical location and require a medical technician to man them. Communications must take place with fixed telephones because it is against most hospital regulations to use mobile phones in clinical facilities. However, for medical professionals, every moment spent tethered to these locations means less time spent taking care of patients.

In an effort to curb any more problems that may occur and to fix some of the ones that already exist, both private and healthcare providers have been increasing their investments in technology, especially mobile communication, to aid their workforce. But, will the increase in technology use in the industry have the desired effect and help Australia overcome their healthcare challenges?

Like any other business tool, technology’s effectiveness is dependent on the person using it. In the wrong hands it can be a hindrance but in the right hands, it can work wonders. Additional factors to its success are the way in which it is applied, how it fits into an existing system, and where and how it is strategically invested. If properly managed, technology can absolutely improve patient outcomes by reducing the cost of care for both patients and healthcare providers, provide increased autonomy, and lessen the time to deliver and receive care.

The healthcare industry’s success in Australia is dependent on the striking of a delicate balance between accuracy, urgency, regulation, privacy, and technology; just like Casino Go Wild in Australia. This may make the issues surrounding the business of healthcare seem overwhelming, however, with the right technology solution, improvements will be easy and quick. The right healthcare technology solution can streamline, simplify, inform, support, verify, and help elevate the quality of care that patients in Australia receive.