646 - Patients as Partners: A Digital Approach to a Fairer, More Connected Surgical Journey

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Cory Williams, Research and Clinical Lead at Five Faces.

Drawing on around 15 years in surgical and perioperative nursing, his role as a Clinical Nurse Consultant and his PhD research at QUT, Dr Williams shares what he has seen on the ground and why he turned to digital health for answers.

They examine the causes and consequences of day-of-surgery cancellations, from patients forgetting to stop their medication to confusion over what counts as a clear fluid.

Dr Williams explains how a single missed instruction can cost hospitals $3,000 to $6,000 an hour in theatre time and send a patient from far north Queensland home after travelling two boats and two planes for surgery.

The conversation also covers the strain on clinicians managing hundreds of patients with limited time to check in on each one.

Looking ahead, the discussion explores how digital health platforms can supplement care rather than replace it.

Topics include automated check-ins, personalised patient pathways, integration with EMR and PAS systems, and how co-design and carer access can keep digital solutions inclusive for patients of all ages, abilities and locations.

Key Takeaways

🔍 Traditional care models relying on face-to-face and paper communication contribute to missed information and day-of-surgery cancellations

💬 Patients frequently feel lost and unsupported, unsure of their place on waitlists or their next steps

⏰ Day-of-surgery cancellations are common, costly, and often preventable with better reminders and coordination

🚦 Digital solutions can supplement care by providing timeline-based instructions, check-ins, and direct lines for patient concerns

🔑 Co-design and flexible digital access are essential for ensuring equity and genuine patient partnership in healthcare journeys

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

00:25 - Dr Cory Williams’ clinical background

02:12 - Core challenges in surgical care

03:09 - Patient confusion and communication issues

05:50 - Traditional care model limitations

09:57 - Frequency and impact of surgery cancellations

16:28 - Role of digital in supplementing care

20:46 - Vision for seamless patient journeys

24:39 - Equity and personalisation in digital health

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

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