In this episode of the MSIA Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Grahame Grieve, founder of HL7 FHIR, about international trends in healthcare interoperability, with a focus on the Australian landscape. Exploring which interoperability approaches are working, which are not, and what the next steps are for both software and frontline care.

Discussing the problems at the core of interoperability, including why FHIR was created and the progress made over the years. Talking on the ongoing challenges faced by clinicians and consumers, the importance of standards and governance, and the balance needed between innovation and conformity. Grahame gave insight into the differences between Australian and global initiatives, such as SPARKED and Argonaut, reflecting on the roles of government and industry, and the critical need to build technical and clinical capacity for future progress.

Key Takeaways: 

• Interoperability in healthcare is a complex, ongoing process requiring agreement across thousands of elements, not just technical connections.
• A major challenge is that end-users of software (clinicians) are often not the purchasers, leading to misaligned priorities in solutions delivered.
• Effective standards necessarily limit flexibility for individual users to ensure broader societal benefits, which can be a source of frustration at the clinical level.
• Australia’s approach, driven by strong governance and community engagement, provides a solid model, though long-term technical capacity remains a limiting factor.
• The success of interoperability can be determined by which healthcare providers would be hampered if existing tools were taken away.

The MSIA Good Tech Podcast responds to hot health topics through expert commentary with practical working responses from industry. Each episode brings you expert commentary and practical insights from industry leaders and professionals. The MSIA addresses pressing health topics and offering tangible solutions. Our goal is to spotlight challenges, bridge gaps, and uncover opportunities that enhance healthcare standards. Whether you're a professional within health service delivery or committed to staying abreast of best practices in Australia, join us for a deep dive into critical issues like AI, aged care, interoperability, primary health care tools and more. With real-life case studies, we demonstrate how cutting-edge technology is transforming healthcare, one solution at a time.

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.