Charting a course to the future of healthcare.
Several waves of crisis are affecting health systems across the globe, including rising demand among ageing populations suffering high chronic-disease burdens, continuing workforce shortages and the harmful effects of climate change on health. Whether it concerns high, middle, or low-income countries, public or private, healthcare systems around the world are facing similar issues which often lead to compromised affordability, accessibility and quality of care.
To deal with these issues, we believe that a fundamental change of course in how healthcare systems operate is essential. Senior healthcare leaders should be seeking transformational and innovative approaches to sector problems given the magnitude of the challenges.
The aim of Healthcare Horizons Revisited is to provide a compelling case for transformation in healthcare systems. We feel that action should be taken now to improve sustainability and resilience of these vital systems. At the same time, we realise that the depth of transformation required for a truly sustainable and inclusive future is daunting. By showcasing trailblazing examples and transformer interviews that illustrate where radical change is already happening, we believe we can offer a beacon of hope. While change is not easy or fast, these encouraging examples show it is possible.
Healthcare Horizons Revisited
Download the report, which examines innovative and successful transformation programs around the world.
Healthcare transformation in Australia
This global report also showcases an example of healthcare transformation in Australia.
Case study: Tackling health inequities with telemedicine
WA Country Health Service (Australia)
Western Australia is a vast geographical expanse that is home to many remote communities with diverse needs. Of the 2.8 million people who live in the region, some 550,000 live outside of Perth, and 11 percent of those who live in remote areas identify as Aboriginal.
The region grapples with health inequalities on two fronts: People living in rural and remote areas are less healthy than those in metropolitan neighbourhoods, and Aboriginal health outcomes and life expectancy are significantly lower than non-Aboriginal people.
To improve the quality of healthcare in remote areas, the State government has rolled out 24/7 digital-health support to healthcare teams based in remote areas. The technology connects front-line doctors and nurses in rural and remote areas with specialty clinicians via video conferencing and real-time data exchange.
Doctors and nurses spanning specialties such as midwifery, obstetrics, palliative care, emergency medicine and psychiatry, as well as specialty pharmacists, offer expert clinical advice for patients being cared for by rural and remote medical teams. An in-patient telehealth service provides virtual ward rounds to patients admitted to local hospitals.
This service has enabled 74 percent of emergency patients, 87 percent of in-patients and 84 percent of mental health inpatients to avoid transfer to a larger center. 24/7 Real-time monitoring also means that if a patient requires transferring to a regional or metropolitan hospital, it is arranged in a safe, timely and efficient manner.
Traditional approaches to healthcare are no longer sustainable, as unprecedented demand, workforce shortages, the continued emergence of new technologies and soaring costs challenge the ability of Australian healthcare systems to meet community needs. Transforming healthcare systems to improve productivity is an essential response to this context.
About Healthcare Horizons Revisited
Healthcare Horizons Revisited examines innovative trailblazing examples and successful transformation programs from across the globe in order to derive insights on the ‘how to’ of healthcare transformation. This report is intended for leaders in healthcare provider, commissioner/payor and regulatory organisations.
This publication builds on the insights outlined in the original Healthcare Horizons report published in early 2023.
More healthcare transformation at KPMG
Contact KPMG Australia's healthcare transformation specialists
At KPMG, we are committed to helping healthcare systems and organisations to navigate the choppy seas of transformation. KPMG firms dedicated sector specialists are passionate about healthcare and their desire to help organisations achieve outcomes, as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help your organisation in its transformation journey.
