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“Technology is the enabler” (Dr Jillian Tomlinson). My reflection on the ‘Brilliant Connected Women in Digital Health’ event.


As Project Resource Partners’ recruitment specialist in Health Care and Service, and someone passionate about women leadership, I enjoy learning about the space, its past and its future. Recently I attended an inspiring discussion ‘Brilliant Connected Women in Digital Health’ run by Telstra Health, hosted by Sophie Scott and paneled by Kym Peake (Partner EY Port Jackson Partners), Dr Jillian Tomlinson (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon) and Emma Hogan (Secretary for Digital and NSW Department of Customer Service).
There were a number of insights from the session, but a consistent trend was the value of collaboration, connectiveness and compassion. Technology and digital health have proven to be key enablers of this – bringing service to local communities, allowing isolated individuals to stay connected with family and friends and providing a platform for discussion around social and mental health issues.
My three key takeaways were:
- Technology allows us to “work smarter, not harder” (Dr Jillian Tomlinson). Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, technology has allowed us to lessen the strain on the healthcare workforce and break down silos. It has brought more primary care to local communities, supported the creation of a more inclusive environment and acted as a key service driver for acute and chronic conditions.
- There is incredible opportunity for the Aged Care sector. Technology has improved the quality of service for patients by connecting them with specialist doctors via telehealth and increasing virtual connectiveness with family and friends. It is also important to see its greater potential. As Dr Jillian highlighted, remote and accessible service can help slow down the transition of the elderly to Aged Care facilities. This can benefit families in improving personal home care and reduce the strain on the already stretched industry.
- There are some lessons learnt for the future of Digital Health. As Sophie optimistically put it, there is opportunity for “post-traumatic growth”. There is still untapped value in connecting data and insights. Improving data integration can provide rich insights and foundation to uplifting future service and policy.
As you can see Digital Health has had a profound and positive impact through the Pandemic, and this impact will only continue to grow. Being able to listen to these three very impressive women, who are making such an impact in the field, really demonstrated to me why I am so passionate about the area I am lucky enough to recruit into.
I am excited to be able to continue providing solutions with the healthcare and aged care space, allowing me to play my part in such an important field.
If you would like to discuss this topic further, or if I can assist your recruitment needs within this space, please feel free to reach out.
Isabelle Petrie
Consultant
Level 7, 360 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000