
Talking HealthTech
Conversations with clinicians, vendors, policy makers and decision makers to promote innovation and collaboration for better healthcare enabled by technology.
Learn about digital health, medical devices, medtech, biotech, health informatics, life sciences, aged care, disability, commercialisation, startups and so much more.
Latest episodes

Feb 11, 2025 • 25min
505 - Reaching your destination healthy and well!
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Sophie Turner speaks with Whitney Luxford, who has extensive experience in aviation medicine and recently founded fit2fly. The discussion dives into Whitney’s career journey from paramedic to aviation medicine specialist and explores the innovations introduced by fit2fly to streamline the medical clearance process for airline passengers.Key Takeaways:Aviation Medicine Insights: Whitney shares her career journey, integrating her experience as a paramedic and her pivotal role in setting up a medical department for Virgin Australia.In-flight Medical Events: An overview of frequent in-flight medical events and their challenges, including costly diversions and emergency landings.fit2fly Solution: fit2fly aims to digitize and expedite the medical clearance process for airline passengers, significantly reducing approval times from weeks to minutes.Technological Integration: The platform leverages clinical algorithms and decision trees to provide immediate clearance, reducing passengers' anxiety and airline inefficiencies.Future Prospects: Whitney outlines plans to incorporate disability and accessibility travel information into the fit2fly platform, further simplifying the travel process for passengers with medical needs.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTechwebsite.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visittalkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Feb 9, 2025 • 19min
504 - Secure and Simple: Imprivata's Approach to Healthcare Authentication
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Jason Potts and Jamie Robertson from Imprivata about their roles, the company's solutions, and the digital identity challenges in healthcare.This episode was recorded during Digital Health Week New Zealand 2024, hosted by HiNZ, and dives into how Imprivata is helping healthcare providers manage secure access to patient information across various settings.Key Takeaways• Imprivata's Core Function: Imprivata focuses on digital identity solutions, primarily offering a simple and secure way for healthcare professionals to access multiple applications using technologies like Tap and Go and multifactor authentication.• Global Application: The solution is implemented globally, from large hospital systems to smaller clinics and commercial environments such as banking and gaming.• Local Context: In Australia and New Zealand, Imprivata adapts its workflows to fit local healthcare systems, integrating large EMR systems and smaller platforms.• Passwordless Journey: Imprivata is moving towards a passwordless environment, incorporating facial biometric authentication and other innovative approaches.• Mobility in Healthcare: They offer solutions for secure access via mobile devices, essential for clinicians working remotely or in various locations.Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTechwebsite.Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet-ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visittalkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Feb 6, 2025 • 27min
503 - Revolutionising ADHD and Mental Health Care Through Teamwork and Innovative Technology Solutions
Martyn Weir and Dr. Kyle Hoath, co-founders of Oqea, share their mission to revolutionize ADHD and mental health care. They discuss a hybrid care model that merges in-person and telehealth services, addressing the frustrating long wait times for patients. AI innovations play a crucial role in streamlining diagnoses and enhancing care collaboration among healthcare teams. The duo emphasizes the importance of reliable resources to empower patients in navigating their mental health journeys. Their insights promise a brighter future for mental health care.

Feb 5, 2025 • 27min
[BONUS EPISODE] Partnering for Better Health: Co-Design Strategies with Anja Christoffersen and Adrienne Young
In this episode of Consumer Health Partnerships, we speak with Anja Christoffersen, founder of Champion Health Agency, and Dr Adrienne Young, dietitian researcher at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, about co-designing a co-design framework for Metro North Health in Queensland.
They delve deep into the need for a co-design framework to enhance patient nutrition and food experiences in hospitals. Anja and Adrienne share their journey of working together, the challenges they faced, and the significant impact of their collaborative efforts. They also touch upon the essential elements of building a successful collaboration between consumers and healthcare professionals to improve healthcare delivery.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Co-Design: Co-design involves genuine partnerships and shared decision-making between consumers and healthcare professionals.
Building Trust: Successful co-design projects are built on strong, trusting relationships and ongoing dialogue.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Being adaptable and prepared to revisit and revise plans is crucial for overcoming unforeseen challenges.
Emphasising Equity: Addressing power imbalances through proper funding and acknowledgment of contributions is essential for effective co-design.
Legacy and Impact: The developed co-design framework has seen significant use, indicating its value and impact on improving healthcare practices.
Links & Resources:
Anja Christoffersen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-christoffersen-999446152/
Dr Adrienne Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-young-5bb06316b/
Metro North Health co-design framework: https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/get-involved/co-design
Consumer Health Partnerships is a podcast for healthcare stakeholders that spotlights the synergistic power of partnering with consumers to share a human-centred health system. We share inspiring stories and practical strategies from healthcare professionals at the forefront of embracing a human-centred approach to patient experience and a patient-centred approach to patient experience and co-design. We are redefining care by respecting their patients’ equal place in conversations about their health.
This show is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation.
Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Feb 4, 2025 • 26min
502 - Enhancing Patient Care: Technology Innovations at Dunedin's Outpatient Facility
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Phil Baskerville, Digital Project Director for New Dunedin Hospital, Dan Owen, Director of Health at NTT DATA, and Rachel Wolfe, Chief Customer Officer at Five Faces.
They discuss integrating digital technologies in the new outpatient facility at Dunedin Hospital and the importance of building patient-centred and culturally inclusive healthcare solutions.
This episode was recorded during Digital Health Week NZ 2024, hosted by HiNZ.
Key Takeaways:
• Collaborative Approach: The project exemplifies the importance of collaboration among technology providers to create a seamless healthcare experience.
• Scalable Infrastructure: Emphasis on building a repeatable and scalable digital infrastructure to support multiple hospital projects over the next decade.
• Patient Experience: Innovations aimed at enhancing patient and clinician experience through technology, such as location-grade Wi-Fi for equipment tracking and user-friendly digital interfaces.
• Cultural Integration: Incorporating local dialect and cultural elements into the digital tools to ensure inclusivity and representation.
• Prototyping and Testing: Establishing a design lab for early prototyping and real-world testing to ensure the system meets user needs before the facility's official opening.
• Global Trends: Insights into how global trends in smart hospitals and patient-centric care models influence the project.
Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.
Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.
Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Feb 2, 2025 • 39min
501 - Why open, standard APIs are key for collaboration, innovation and a competitive marketplace
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Sophie Turner speaks with Andy Bond and Michael Strachan from Magentus about adopting open standards to ensure national usability of developed IP, the importance of interoperability, and enhancing collaborative care through sustainable practices.
Key Takeaways:
• Adopting open standards to address interoperability challenges, moving away from bespoke integrations.
• Focus on enhancing collaboration between clinical endpoints, facilitated by FHIR Implementation Guides.
🔄 The pivotal role of workflow in integrating systems and improving processes like e-requesting and e-bookings.
• Transition from older web services to modern FHIR-based APIs, supported by industry and government initiatives.
• Emphasis on involving patients in their healthcare journey for better access to clinical information.
• Developing a platform-based approach using FHIR APIs at Magentus, aiming to replace paper requests with digital ones by early 2025.
Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.
Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.
Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Jan 30, 2025 • 46min
500 - Behind the Scenes: What 500 Episodes of Talking HealthTech Have Taught Us
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, hosts Peter Birch, Nathan Moore, and Sophie Turner celebrate the milestone of the 500th episode.
Reflecting on the podcast's journey from its beginnings to its plans for the future, the conversation dives into personal experiences, the evolution of health technology, and the importance of collaboration in the healthcare ecosystem.
This discussion also touches on key topics such as AI, the role of digital health, and potential future directions for the podcast and the industry.
Key Takeaways
• Journey and Evolution of Talking HealthTech: The hosts reflect on the growth of the podcast, from Pete’s initial concept to the current production team and the collaboration with a diverse range of guests and co-hosts.
• Personal Reflections: Each host shares their personal journey into health technology, highlighting the various paths and experiences that brought them to the current point.
• Significance of Collaboration: The discussion emphasises the importance of collaboration within the healthtech space and the value of connecting different sectors and stakeholders.
• Future Directions: The podcast aims to continue exploring impactful topics, including the integration of technology in rural and remote healthcare settings and the potential for new content formats and partnerships.
• Community and Ecosystem: There is a shared commitment to enhancing the Talking HealthTech community and providing valuable content that supports the healthcare ecosystem.
Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.
Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.
Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Jan 29, 2025 • 40min
499 - Getting Back Up from a Major Health Set Back: Patient-led Project Delivery and Innovation from Core Connect Group
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Pat Wheaton, founder of Core Connect Group, and Elif Kücüktas, Specialist Advisor – Healthcare of Core Connect Group, about improving efficiencies in healthcare tasks, supporting frontline workers, and developing innovative healthcare products.
Key Takeaways:
• Progress in Technologies: Advancements in electronic medical records (EMR) and handheld tablets have been made, with opportunities to enrich clinical notes further.
• Frontline Worker Focus: The importance of supporting frontline healthcare workers to make their jobs easier and more impactful is emphasised.
• Innovation Framework: A structured framework for healthcare product and service innovation is developed to improve outcomes for patients and staff.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Effective solutions in healthcare often come from collaboration between tech companies and clinicians, rather than independent problem-solving.
Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.
Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.
Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meet ups, special offers, and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Jan 27, 2025 • 59min
498 - HiNZ: Digital Health Week NZ 2024, Feature Episode
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, hosts Peter Birch and Rebecca McBeth speak with various leaders in digital health at the Digital Health Week NZ 2024 hosted by Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ).
Guests include Scott Arrol, James Field, Charlene Tan-Smith, Dr Bryan Tan, Martin Chadwick, Lisa Knowles, Kate Tulp, Dr Kaveh Safavi, and Lara Hopley, covering the state and future of health technology in New Zealand amidst budget cuts and evolving digital landscapes.
Key Takeaways:
• Budget and Policy Changes: Exploring the federal budget cuts to technology and innovation in New Zealand healthcare and their implications.
• Opportunities in HealthTech: Despite challenges, opportunities exist to thrive through collaboration and essential tech improvements.
• Clinical Informatics and Allied Health: Highlighting the role of clinical informatics in patient management and cross-discipline collaboration.
• Technology Integration and Workforce: Discussing how AI and new technologies can tackle workforce shortages and boost healthcare efficiency.
Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website.
These are just a handful of the conversations we had at Digital Health Week NZ 2024. To catch all the other interviews, head over to our YouTube channel for a full playlist of all the discussions.
Loving the show? Leave us a review, and share it with someone who might get some value from it.
Keen to take your healthtech to the next level? Become a THT+ Member for access to our online community forum, meetups, special offers and more exclusive content. For more information visit talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

Jan 22, 2025 • 35min
497 - Enhancing General Practice: CPD, AI, and Business Strategies Discussed at GP24
Chris Smeed, CEO of Cubiko, and Paul Copeland, Partner at William Buck Australia, dive into enhancing general practices. They discuss integrating Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with patient outcomes, showcasing how technology can streamline healthcare. The conversation highlights the necessity for GPs to embrace business management skills alongside clinical duties. They also explore the importance of building a supportive community for practice owners to share experiences and mentorship, paving the way for future leaders in healthcare.
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