The 'Digital Transformation in Healthcare' event gathered industry leaders, including La Trobe University's strategic partner Optus, along with innovators and researchers, to explore the challenges and opportunities that the integration of digital technology presents in this critical sector.
The evening also celebrated the launch of Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe's two new books, ‘Digital Health: A Primer’ and ‘Dimensions of Intelligent Analytics for Smart Digital Health Solutions’.
As the inaugural Optus Chair of Digital Health at La Trobe, Professor Wickramasinghe leads dynamic, impactful research and embodies La Trobe and Optus’ shared commitment to advancing digital health in our communities and beyond, a key aspect of the industry partnership. The position also provides discipline leadership to the University’s new Digital Innovation Hub, part of La Trobe’s Research and Innovation Precinct, and a core component of its University City of the Future.
“As the Optus Chair of Digital Health at La Trobe, I'm passionate about investigating and then working to realise how emerging technologies can bridge gaps and elevate healthcare accessibility across Australia.
“My research provides leadership and insights into how digital technologies are reshaping healthcare delivery, patient engagement, and data management. Examining the cross-sectional application of digital to medical across research, commercialisation, and healthcare delivery is paramount,” said Professor Wickramasinghe.
The evening began with Gavin Fox-Smith, Chair of ANDHealth, and Professor Wickramasinghe, sitting down for a fireside chat where they delved into the key themes presented in her new books and shared insights into what shaped the works.
Professor Wickramasinge shared that “the books aim to educate and empower readers from across the healthcare sector, from researchers to clinicians to hospital CEOs.”
“My vision is to harness the effective design, development, and deployment of digital health technologies to ensure exceptional healthcare for all – every time, everywhere. A solid place to start is by sharing knowledge and increasing awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities that we are presented with in this sector.”
Mr Fox-Smith went on to facilitate a panel discussion led by Professor Wickramasinghe and industry leaders, Andrew Wilson from Oncoshot, Professor Peter Gibbs from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and Dr Loren Sher from Northern Health's Victorian Virtual ED.
Each panellist brought unique expertise from different sectors of healthcare, contributing invaluable insights and perspectives to the discussion. A major challenge highlighted was the issue of ‘governance’ and the urgent need for interoperability among diverse health technologies. While digital innovations hold the potential to enhance precise and personalised patient care, the absence of integration can significantly obstruct effectiveness.
As a University, La Trobe’s integrated approach to research, education and technology creates partnerships that tackle real-world health issues through digital innovation.
“La Trobe University is dedicated to creating impactful research and innovative solutions that address challenges and opportunities in our communities.
“As technology advances, we seek to work with industry partners, like Optus and Northern Health, to lead the way in integrating health and technology to enhance patient outcomes and optimise healthcare delivery,” said Dr Megan Fisher, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement).
Overall, the ‘Digital Transformation in Healthcare’ evening provided a platform for dialogue and empowerment, highlighting the necessity to leverage digital health for collective benefit.
Useful links
To read more and purchase Professor Nilmini Wickramasinghe publications: Routledge
To learn more about La Trobe’s digital facilities and capabilities: Digital Innovation Hub
