567 - How Digital Health Is Reshaping Musculoskeletal Care in Australia and Beyond

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Jason Ward, co-founder and CEO of EQL, about the evolution of digital health in musculoskeletal (MSK) care across Australia and the UK.

Jason discusses the story behind founding EQL and the factors that shaped its approach to digital MSK care.

He also examines the different funding and access challenges faced in Australia and the UK, highlighting how local healthcare structures influence the delivery of care.

Key Takeaways

💡 EQL uses technology to empower patients and clinicians, enhancing access to MSK care through digital triage and rehabilitation pathways.

🌏 Differences between the UK and Australian healthcare systems, including funding models, rural access issues, and workers’ compensation, shape how digital MSK solutions are deployed.

📊 Demonstrating return on investment (ROI) is central to EQL’s model, evidenced by recent pilots in Australia that delivered a 14:1 ROI for employers and insurance partners.

🤝 EQL works both with in-house clinicians and partner organisations, delivering care via digital, in-person, and hybrid pathways to meet diverse workplace and population needs.

🔮 The future of digital MSK care involves careful adoption of AI and scaled technology, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and equitable access, especially in remote or underserved communities.

Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.

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