The system’s response has been about achieving efficiency gains through restructuring. What has been lacking in this approach has been an adequate link between a clear strategy and the role of technology in the pursuit of productivity.
Our ability to move beyond this point is stymied by the lack of a system-wide, people-centric digital approach. But this missing approach is not about the technology itself, but rather about the technology and the people who need to use it. The issue lies in changing hearts and minds of practitioners, policymakers, and the public, fostering a cultural shift to embrace digital tools effectively.
Forecasting shows our health resources are critically short and international evidence and experience shows that embracing new partnerships and technology is key in navigating the way forward. To be successful, our health system needs to mature its approach and relationships between the public and the private sector – this is not about going private but rather leveraging and making better use of the current private partners that underpin the health sector. In addition, our current and future workforce need to become digital natives, comfortable, confident, and better equipped with broad technologies that work. Spark Health is uniquely positioned to facilitate this shift, using our resources and expertise to support enhancing New Zealand’s health sector from the outside in.
Technology is not the problem
One of the primary hurdles in modernising New Zealand’s health sector is the reluctance to adopt new technologies. The bulk of our health system spend on technology has been on maintaining outdated Infrastructure rather than enabling a better future. This has resulted in one of the biggest obstacles we face – a workforce who lack confidence in the current digital systems and the willingness to use new ones. Even in recent history, digital healthcare initiatives have struggled due to a lack of readiness, change management, and acceptance among some users.
Attempts to introduce digital solutions are often met with resistance, not because the technology is flawed, but because the necessary confidence in the change is lacking, and educational and cultural foundations are not in place. Building confidence among healthcare providers is essential. This involves practical training and support systems to help them become comfortable and confident with new digital tools.
The opportunities are vast
Globally, healthcare is embracing digital advancements and New Zealand isn’t keeping pace. Technologies like VR, remote patient monitoring, AI-supported transcription and diagnostics, and advanced data analytics offer immense potential to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. Remote patient monitoring in particular has had powerful impacts on improving access to care and enhancing patient flow through health services.
AI-driven diagnostics are improving the accuracy and speed of medical assessments, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals, and enabling timely interventions. Electronic health records (EHRs) provide seamless access to patient information across different providers, enhancing continuity of care and reducing errors. These technologies are not futuristic concepts – they are practical solutions that can be implemented now to improve healthcare delivery in New Zealand.
But none of these alone are a silver bullet. While some gains may be found, unless a macro approach to using digital tools to improve overall “system flow” is adopted, we will simply shuffle the problems and blockages around the system – in a sense, the outcome could be we diagnose quicker to wait longer.
Co-navigating digital modernisation
Spark Health is in a unique position to co-navigate the digitisation of New Zealand’s health sector, partnering with government, healthcare providers, technology companies, and educational institutions, all working towards a common goal. With our extensive reach we’re able to bring global health technology solutions to New Zealand, using our significant footprint to land these at an affordable rate for all New Zealanders – not just government and enterprise.
Our approach is focused on building various ecosystems, supporting people and process, care delivery, and system flow. We have created the Digital Health Ecosystem to provide the necessary tools and support systems to ensure effective utilisation of digital health solutions and broader system improvement.
The Spark Health team is also key – we have leading clinicians, administrators, and health commissioners who have successfully implemented innovative healthcare delivery models around the world. Each brings a wealth of knowledge and a shared vision for a modern, efficient, and effective healthcare system. This combination of expertise means we can engage with healthcare providers intelligently, offering tailored solutions that address their specific needs.
People-centric and system-wide
The success of digital modernisation in healthcare hinges on the willingness of people to adopt and adapt to new technologies. At Spark Health, we focus on making this transition as smooth as possible.
Moreover, we recognise the importance of breaking down silos within the healthcare system. Too many branches within health services operate in isolation, focusing solely on their specific areas. We need to foster a system-wide perspective, encouraging collaboration and integration across different services. This approach will drive more coordinated and efficient healthcare delivery, ultimately benefiting patients and practitioners.
Building smart ecosystems to support healthcare providers
At Spark Health, we are building key ecosystems to support the digital modernisation of the health sector.
We aim to optimise the use of mobile devices and digital tools, ensuring healthcare professionals can access and share information seamlessly.
We are enhancing telehealth services and remote monitoring capabilities to ensure patients receive the best possible care without unnecessary travel.
We are leveraging portable devices like ultrasounds and advanced analytics tools to provide more accurate and timely diagnoses. By making these tools widely available, we can improve the overall quality of care and ensure healthcare providers have the information they need to make informed decisions.
Modernising New Zealand’s healthcare sector is a complex but a critical venture – the benefits of digital tools in terms of efficiency and patient outcomes are too significant to ignore. However, the successful integration of these tools requires a cultural shift and a commitment to training and supporting healthcare professionals.
At Spark Health, we are excited to be facilitating this shift. By providing the infrastructure, expertise, and support needed to embrace digital health solutions, we will be able to build a digital-first healthcare system that is resilient, efficient, and centred around improving patient outcomes.