This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our and .
Technology is becoming increasingly central to driving the efficiency of healthcare services and to improving the patient experience.
Implementing interoperable eHealth solutions however is a complex feat, particularly given the complexity and size of health systems, in terms of technology and existing procedures for capturing, storing and sending information.
In the lead up to the 2nd Annual eHealth Interoperability Conference 2014, we had the chance to speak to Jason Whakaari, Executive Director – ICT, Capital, & Contracts at Western Health, who will be presenting at the event on ‘ICT Innovation Interoperability Challenges and Breakthroughts (Past, Present & Future)’.
Jason has an education background in Finance, Economics, Strategy & Management Systems (BMS Honours, MMS Distinction). His vast range of vocational experience at senior levels include ICT, Capital Development, Commercial Contracts, Health System Accountability & Performance, Health Service Strategy & Planning and Health Funding (Hospitals & Primary Care).
How would you define Interoperability?
Jason: Interoperability is a system working with at least one other system to electronically exchange data that can be interpreted and used by that other system.
Is there any other sector that you feel the healthcare sector should look up to in terms of achieving the collaboration and requirements needed for effective interoperable practices?
Jason: Finance, airlines, and hotel sectors have relevant aspects that are traditionally raised. Future trends in mobility and consumer-led health also point towards fitness sector and i-device markets.
In your opinion, is eHealth transformative or reformative?
Jason: Transformative. eHealth is a generic label for a field of innovation and exploration that uses technology as an enabler to move frontiers of clinical practice and workflows, covering bio-medical technology, clinical procedures, health information interoperability and mobility, and consumer controlled services.
What are you hoping to get out of the 2nd annual eHealth Interoperability conference? Are there any particular presentations or discussions you are particularly looking forward to?
Jason: At this annual event, I hope to:
- Share our story with the audience
- See what peers are progressing and why (in priority order)
- Understand lessons learnt from peer experiences (& what they would do differently for initiatives that we are or intend progressing in the future)
- Get a sense of how our journey is tracking against others
- Help inform thinking for future priority initiatives
For more in-depth information about Jason’s presentation at the event, and other subjects being explored through our eHealth Interoperability thought-leaders, please view the event program through the eHealth Interoperability Conference website.
