Researchers, health practitioners and students from across Australia will gather at Flinders Tonsley precinct today for the inaugural Virtually Healthy Colloquium hosted by Flinders University.
The colloquium explores how digital technology is transforming the health landscape and presents a unique opportunity for leading researchers and research higher degree students to present their developing research in this emerging sector.
Professor John Coveney, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Flinders University, said the colloquium fills a niche gap in Australia by investigating how the social impacts of digital technologies are shaping our experiences and perceptions of the health system.
“The challenges and opportunities in the health sector arising from the evolution of digital technologies mean that developing a strong research focus in this area which seeks to understand the experiences of both patients and practitioners is critical,” said Professor Coveney.
“The need to adopt technology to help meet health challenges is important but addressing challenges such as socio-economic and cultural barriers preventing individuals from accessing digital health services is also vital in order to improve the experiences for patients, carers and
their families.
“I am excited about the wide array of researchers presenting at the colloquium who will showcase the way we in Australia are adopting digital technologies to influence treatments, clinical care, consumer engagement and the promotion of health.”
Professor Coveney also commented on the ever-increasing importance of providing opportunities to connect those in the industry with researchers and students to foster valuable ties and prospects for collaboration in digital health.
“The Virtually Healthy Colloquium at Flinders will provide a great opportunity for industry, researchers, health professionals and students in the digital healthcare space to make valuable connections with each other, gain experience in presenting their research, and to develop a greater understanding of other research being conducted in the area,” he said.
The colloquium will feature several keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, a panel discussion as well as interactive digital health displays and networking opportunities.
Professor Deborah Lupton, Centenary Research Professor at the University of Canberra will lead a session on Critical Perspective on Digital Health Technologies, presenting her research on cultures and practices of digital self-tracking, the critical analysis of medical and public health mobile applications and the digitisation of health promotion.
Flinders’ own experts in digital health systems and culture will also present on exciting advances including Digital developments with health implications for knowledge and research, Transforming rehabilitation using telehealth and Social determinant and equity in digital technology use among
consumers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Virtually Healthy Colloquium is the only national conference in Australia which seeks to blend and showcase the work of higher degree research students, early career researchers, and senior researchers undertaking research in digital health.
The Virtually Healthy Colloquium will run from 12-5pm. A full program is available online: flinders.edu.au/virtuallyhealthy.