Healthily values collaborating with government, industry, thought leaders, consumers and technology partners to inform and develop innovative digitally enabled solutions to improve health outcomes, quality of care and quality of life for older Australians.

During April and May, Healthily, Accenture and global information analytics business Elsevier hosted a series of Aged Care Innovation Roundtables around Australia.  Aged care and health care leaders were brought together to share their insights, identify barriers, and discuss possible solutions to some of the major challenges and opportunities facing the aged care sector.

As Innovation Principal Director for Health and Public Service at Accenture Australia, Ian Manovel shared a thought provoking and engaging presentation about the findings from Accenture’s Silver Surfer Report, which demonstrated the demand and opportunities that technology offers to empower our ageing population to take a more active and engaged role in their health and wellbeing.

There is also no questioning the strong demand (and fewer barriers) for virtual health care with 61% of older Australians believing that the use of technology is ‘very important’ or ‘somewhat important’ to them when it comes to managing their health, while more than 50% are using mobile and online health devices to support day to day living.

Roundtable participants also acknowledged the challenges confronting the aged care workforce in embracing technology to deliver quality consumer-centered care and empowerment. Their views inspired conversation about new approaches including the power of shared stories/storytelling in building the knowledge and confidence required to embrace change – both for the workforce and consumers.

Commenting on the role of digital health in aged care, Healthily’s Managing Director Dr Tina Campbell said: “As specialists in health literacy and patient education, Healthily knows that empowering consumers, their families and carers with the confidence, knowledge and skills to manage their health and wellbeing is crucial to improving health outcomes and quality of life. Progressive aged care providers are also coming to understand innovative ways in which technology can be used to support their workforce to improve safety and consumer centred care. We look forward to continuing to work with the aged care sector to deliver digital health literacy solutions that connect seniors with the right services, support and information needed to take a more active and informed role in their care.”  

On behalf of Accenture and Elsevier, Healthily would like to thank everyone who contributed to these important conversations. Their vision and passion about the future of aged care, and how technology can be used to empower our ageing population, was truly inspiring.

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of the Aged Care Innovation Roundtables in the coming weeks.