Reimagining the care pathway to reduce workloads

SECTOR UPDATE - Connected Health

With an ageing infrastructure, staff shortages and rising chronic illness rates, the demand on New Zealand’s healthcare services has surged, pushing the sector to its limits. Throughout the year ending 31 December 2023, over a quarter of nursing shifts fell short of target staffing levels, with some wards consistently operating below safe staffing thresholds.

The sector must reimagine its approach to sustain healthcare services and improve patient outcomes, focusing on optimising care pathways, integrating technology, and promoting a supportive work environment.

The administrative workload that occupies a significant portion of staff time is a primary area in need of transformation. Traditional care pathways are often burdened by documentation and non-patient-facing tasks, diverting attention from direct patient care. Doctors and nurses can spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients if healthcare organisations digitise and streamline documentation through electronic medical records and mobile access. 

Efficient communication is another cornerstone of reimagined care pathways. Integrated platforms that facilitate seamless communication within healthcare teams can enhance collaboration and coordination, which is especially important in time-sensitive environments. Unified communication systems, like secure messaging platforms and real-time location tracking for medical equipment, give healthcare workers instant access to the information and resources they need to make timely decisions. 

Remote patient monitoring offers an additional layer of support, letting healthcare workers monitor patients’ vital signs in real time without being physically present. This proactive approach can decrease the frequency of in-person checks, empowering healthcare workers to manage their time more effectively. It also facilitates early detection of health issues, so that healthcare professionals can intervene swiftly to prevent escalation, reducing hospital readmissions and promoting a more efficient use of resources.

New Zealand’s healthcare system can ease some of the pressure on its hospitals and improve patient outcomes by rethinking care pathways through a balanced combination of digital transformation and supportive training.  

This approach promises a future where staff are supported, patient care is prioritised, and healthcare services are better equipped to meet the growing demands of an ageing population, ultimately creating a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system.

To learn more about innovative technology that enables healthcare professionals to work more efficiently, visit the Connected Health booth (#4) at Digital Health Week NZ 2024. 

Website: https://www.connected-health.com.au/

 Source: Connected Health media release

Sector updates are provided by organisations to eHealthNews.nz and have not necessarily been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the organisation issuing the release.

Do you have an item to add to sector updates?

Email your information to us at updates@hinz.org.nz

Return to eHealthNews.nz home page