Digital tools to enable a better primary care sector

john macaskill smith
John Macaskill-Smith
19th November 2024
Aotearoa’s population is aging and is experiencing a rise in the demand for accessible, high-quality healthcare. With clinicians facing increasing workloads with changing populations, our primary care sector is turning to digital solutions to streamline healthcare delivery.

By automating record-keeping, supporting better data integration, and providing patients with better experiences in accessing their health records, these solutions can change how healthcare is experienced across the country.

Adopting transcription and e-text technology in Aotearoa’s primary care sector is a strategic move towards reducing clinician workloads and improving care delivery. Automated transcription tools, like Nabla Co-Pilot, Hedi, and emerging local versions, can help clinicians reduce data entry by generating thorough patient records from consultations. This enables clinicians to focus more on patient interaction, which has been recognised as a significant factor in preventing burnout and improving the experience of care quality1.

AI-driven transcription can provide clearer, more accurate summaries of clinical interactions for people on their healthcare journey. Such transparency supports people in following treatment plans, improves health literacy, and lessens the need for repeat consultations. It also encourages a more proactive approach to health, as people can stay informed and better understand their medical history and next steps in treatment. When used consistently, these tools can make care more efficient, accessible, and personalised across Aotearoa1.

Ultimately, shifting to transcription and e-text technologies will address our unique primary care challenges. If we can enable a system where clinicians and the public can easily access and share information across networks, we can create better outcomes and a more effective primary care sector.

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john macaskill smith
John Macaskill-Smith
Chief Executive
As CEO of Spark Health, John Macaskill-Smith brings extensive expertise in both public and private health sectors to the forefront of digital health innovation in New Zealand. His career includes senior roles at the HFA, MoH, and various private health entities, where he pioneered innovative approaches to sector challenges across New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East, and the UK. John also played a pivotal role in the growth of early-stage health startup Tend, expanding their network from one clinic to twenty seven. His leadership in primary care saw the introduction of the original "Health Care Home," the establishment of Indici, and the integration of Pharmacogenomics during his tenures as CEO of Pinnacle, Midlands Health, and Ventures. At Spark Health, John is dedicated to leveraging advanced digital technologies to enhance patient care and streamline system and service delivery. He is committed to reducing digital inequities across public, primary, community, and private sectors, and improving access to and utilization of primary and community data. In addition to his role at Spark Health, John holds various governance positions in education, animal health, and several startups.
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