I’ve just had the pleasure and the opportunity to have read the amazingly broad range of contributions to this initiative.
My perspective on this conversation is that of a being a retired renal physician and current clinical ethicist. I have worked in wide range of countries
including U.S.A., UK. Iraq, U.A.E. and N.Z. I hope the following one liners give a few indications on a few important things to consider……….
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Digital / informatics / literacy is another tool for us to use optimally in the delivery of health care.
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It is also an incredible way of aggregating huge amounts of information and being able to apply it to the health of both individuals and collectively.
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The involved processes have to be managed and governed sustainably and ethically.
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The public have to be engaged in a way that they can understand and trust the whole system which can at times seem obscure in the way that the data is applied.
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Of equal importance is that the aim of digital literacy is to ensure the survival of our health system whose sustainability will be challenged by a combination of:
- equitable access to new and often expensive technologies.
- an increase in individualistic versus collective perspectives on access to healthcare options ( people have to remember that the rights the individuals currently have are actually dependent upon the rest of society supporting their autonomy!!)
- helping health providers’ ability to sometimes say to say “no ”to a particular intervention. To do so requires that decisions makers are ably supported by the integrity of the data systems that will increasingly be involved in complex decision making. This supports the concept of equity in the decision making process
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In the wider context, Artificial Intelligence and informatics will increasingly become normalised as an integral part of our health system. The ultimate aim of this system is to deliver optimal care in an increasingly complex milieu and to do so in a sustainable way.
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The biggest challenge over the next couple of decades is the anticipated huge increase in the number of older New Zealanders in the next couple of decades. Although this problem is widely known and understood in terms of its implications, as yet I have not seen much in the way of a robust approach to its resolution.
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I believe that the optimal, equitable, sensible and ethical application of A.I. and electronic data is an essential part of successfully navigating this current and future challenge.
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Although we have managed the Covid challenge well in New Zealand, we have seen other health systems world-wide being absolutely overwhelmed by the magnitude of the numbers. In a sense what I am highlighting is a slower but perceptible process that is happening world-wide right now!!
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Now is the time to look at modelling data and providing guidance using technologies which have the power to provide us with help in planning and funding processes over the next 20 years.
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Finally –(phew!!) I’m in the demographic that will be subject to complex decision making in the future ( currently I’m really fit and well and not on any medications ) But……………………there will come a time!!
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When it comes I want those looking after to me to be well trained, well-resourced confident and keen to come to work with a commitment to my optimal management (whatever the likely outcome!!)
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Access to a really good data system is vital part of a good health system
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