A recent UQ webinar has outlined how the advancement of digital tech in general practice still needs in-person interaction with patients.
The University of Queensland has unveiled a $1.2 million project to co-design and test new digital tools for GPs.
“It’s a truly collaborative effort with strong academic and industry partnerships, including Cambridge University and organisations like AFNA, AAPM, Inala primary care and Prestancia Health,” said Dr Fiona Willer in a webinar.
“The overarching aim of our project is to co-design and test new tools using what we call a digital tech humanist approach.
“We’re looking at how clinics can adopt digital technologies in a way that enhances, not replaces, human connection.
“We want to help [general practice] clinics improve patient experience, support, employee wellbeing, including clinicians, and ultimately boost overall clinic performance, both in terms of quality and financial outcomes.”
Dr Willer outlined how the project’s collaborative processes are reflective of the need for more efficient multi-disciplinary collaboration in general practice.
General practice is in a transitional stage as the digital age continues to advance, especially post-pandemic, she said.
A growth in both population needs and digital influence was the incentive for developing the project to address said needs.
With the expansion of telehealth, concerns from patients were addressed, highlighting the need for clarity in digital health’s development to ensure patient comfort and accessibility.
“Past experiences with scams, even outside of healthcare, can create a lingering fear around digital tools,” Dr Fiona Willer said in the webinar.
“Digital technologies can enhance care, but they can also alienate patients if they’re not intuitive, trustworthy and well supported.
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“It’s not just about the technology, it’s about how it makes people feel.”
Clinical costs were addressed as part of the webinar, showcasing how an investment in digital health has long-term benefits.
This financial sustainability was the pragmatic approach to address rising clinical costs without sacrificing effective care.
“When digital systems automate or streamline previously manual [processes], that naturally leads to cost savings, since less staffing is needed for repetitive tasks,” Dr Fiona Willer said.
“Managers also mentioned higher patient turnover, not in the sense of rushing patients through, but in being able to fill appointment slots more efficiently and reduce downtime.
“There was a strong appreciation for reduced human error, which contributes to both clinical safety and operational efficiency.”
The necessary balance between digital and in-person health was discussed with interview examples given showing how many patients prefer in-person communication to bridge any difficulties surrounding information or accessibility.
The concluding message of the webinar was that the increase of digital technology use in general practice should not be seen as a replacement for people but an enhancement of processes.
This was reiterated in the descriptions of how digital technology can be further implemented as part of general practice training and thus be part of the workforce’s evolution rather than the fears of tech-dependent redundancy.
Watch the full webinar here.
