In this and episode 43 we revisit the theme of 'disruption' from the 2018 RACP Congress. Disruption is what happened to the taxi industry at the hands of Google Maps and Uber. Or to the music industry with the onslaught mp3 files and digital sharing platforms.

Democratizing technology is changing delivery of healthcare too and now permits remote consultations, automated dispensing, or even algorithmic diagnostics. The public also has access to more information, and even today, "Dr Google" is variously described as a tool or a hindrance.

More importantly, consumer expectations are different to what they were twenty years ago. As Professor Des Gorman explains, the health system is a service industry like any other, and those working within it need to have a better understanding of the people who sustain that service. New delivery models are springing up all the time which may offer efficiencies and greater satisfaction in some consumer groups.

Consumer advocate, Jen Morris, tells a story from the UK, where a man was able to bypass red tape around approval of prophylactic HIV therapy simply by setting up a website. She explains how clinicians shouldn't see the internet as a threat, but as a tool for enhancing consumer engagement. And how health literacy is more about navigating systems than it is about understanding biomedical fundamentals. 

Guests
Professor Des Gorman FAFOEM (University of Auckland; Executive Chair, Health Workforce New Zealand)
Jen Morris

Production
Written and produced by Mic Cavazzini. Recording assistance in Auckland from Richard Smith and the University of Auckland, and in Melbourne from John Tjiha of Paper Radio.
Music under licence from Epidemic Sound ('Simmering Anxiety' by Christian Andersen, 'Into the Bone' and 'Frustration in Disguise' by Jimmy Wahlsteen, 'The Sky Changes 2' and 'Calculate Journey' by Gunnar Johnsén ); and Free Music Archive ('To be Decided' by Mystery Mammal, 'Highway to the Stars' by Kai Engel and 'Waiting' by David Szesztay). Image under licence from iStock. The production manager was Anne Fredrickson. 

Editorial feedback for this episode was provided by RACP Fellows Paul Jauncey, Michael Herd, Mahesh Dhakal, Rhiannon Mellor, Ellen Taylor, Joseph, Lee, Philip Britton, Alan Ngo, Rachel Williams, Phillipa Wormald, Rosalynn Pszczola, Richard Doherty 

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.