July 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of the 2024 On the Horizon newsletter from the Future Workforce Unit (FWU). On the Horizon provides a snapshot of the key trends and developments that have the potential to shape and impact our future workforce, workplace and ways of working.

On the Horizon is part of the Focus on the Future Workforce Initiative, which aims to support the health system to ensure a resilient and digitally enabled workforce that can adapt to the changes in the system caused by technology and other disruptions. By focusing on not just the now, but also the future, NSW Health can ensure that we meet the needs of the community now and into the future.

Please note that the opinions shared in On the Horizon are those of the respective authors, and may not reflect the views of FWU or NSW Health.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the articles may contain images of people who have passed away.

As the winter chill sets in, like frost, may bite, but from its sting, new life takes flight. So, face the cold, the wind's harsh art, and seize the chance, with an open heart.

In this month's edition of On the Horizon, we're exploring a range of signals. With Loneliness Awareness Week approaching on the 5th - 11th of August, we’re taking a look at loneliness in Australians: a critical issue of our time and a recognised public health priority for many countries around the world. Loneliness is not just a matter of emotional discomfort; it has tangible effects on physical health and workplace productivity. Its important to think about how we can support each other in our workplaces and foster meaningful social connection whether in-person or virtually, and with the PMES just around the corner, it’s a good time to think about our wellbeing. We also explore the future of hospital infrastructure and how we might best work with robots. As you sift through these trends, I invite you to use the questions included to prompt further conversations with your peers to explore what these trends could mean in your local context.

Did you catch our podcast? So far, our most viewed episodes are ‘What if the future of the hospital – was not in the hospital?’ where Alexander Beath from Northern Sydney LHD talks about Hospital in the Home, ‘What if leadership models focused more on wellness, than on business?’ with Sarah Dalton from HETI, and ‘What if health went viral?’ where Meredith Claremont and Melissa Devine from the Centre for Population Health discuss public and population health communications in the age of social media and influencers. Listen to Series 5 on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube.

If you're enjoying our insights or interested in exploring a certain topic, please connect with us; our team is always up for a conversation.

- Tamara Lee

Director, Future Workforce

The rising tide of loneliness

Ending Loneliness Together, State of the Nation Report indicates that 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely with young people and middle-aged people reporting the highest levels of loneliness. Australians who experience loneliness are twice as likely to suffer from chronic diseases and are less likely to engage in physical activity. Additionally, loneliness contributes to lower productivity in the workplace. A 2021 report from Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre estimated loneliness costs the Australian economy $2.7 billion each year, an equivalent annual cost of $1,565 for each person who becomes lonely.

Action is being taken on loneliness from governments around the world. Both the UK and Japan have appointed loneliness ministers dedicated to understand, resource and tackle the issue of loneliness. ‘Social prescribing’ has picked up in Australia, Singapore and elsewhere. Social prescribing is an intervention aimed at improving wellbeing by linking individuals to community resources with an aim to optimise social determinants of health. This intervention has been shown to be effective for vulnerable patients experiencing loneliness, social isolation, multiple comorbidities, and frequent use of healthcare services.

So, what about loneliness and its effects on the workplace? Well, the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements has brought both opportunities and challenges. While these arrangements offer flexibility, they also pose risks of increased loneliness. Approximately 12% of workers report problematic levels of loneliness in remote or hybrid work settings. This loneliness can lead to lower organisational commitment, reduced creativity, and higher staff turnover. In contrast, workplaces that foster meaningful social connections enhance employees' sense of community, boosting their physical and psychological wellbeing and resilience.

In what ways can we enhance our workplace environments to foster stronger social connections and reduce loneliness amongst our colleagues and patients? How can we leverage technology and creative practices to combat loneliness, particularly in remote or hybrid work settings, without sacrificing meaningful human interactions? What role can the future healthcare workforce play in continuing to address and prevent loneliness and its related health impacts in the community?

Hospitals of the future

Imagine stepping into a hospital of the future.

Patient rooms are no longer confined spaces but personalised healing environments. Screens on walls are replaced by immersive technology that transports patients into a calming virtual environment and smart glass windows adjust tint and temperature to mimic natural daylight, aiding in recovery. Eco-friendly construction practices are integrated to minimise environmental impact. Features such as green roofs and solar panels save energy and make indoor spaces healthier. Water-saving fixtures and gardens create a greener space that benefits both patients and staff. Technology is revolutionising hospital procedures and clinical admin. Innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are enhancing patient care, operational efficiency and patient flow. Advanced biometric sensors discreetly monitor vital signs, instantly alerting medical staff to any changes, ensuring proactive care without intrusive interruptions. Telemedicine has transcended traditional boundaries. Specialists from around the globe collaborate in real-time, offering expertise and support regardless of physical location. In operating theatres, robotic surgeons work alongside human specialists with unparalleled precision, and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) are optimising supply management. Meanwhile, 3D bioprinters in specialised labs manufacture custom implants and tissues, revolutionising reconstructive surgery and organ transplants.

The evolution of hospital design reflects a broader trend towards a more sustainable, efficient, and patient-centred approach to healthcare. A real-world example of this shift is the development of the Al Daayan Health District in Doha, Qatar. This groundbreaking project combines healthcare with sustainable living, featuring a modular design surrounded by greenery and aiming for self-sufficiency in energy and food production.

So, what's the most ideal, realistic future we can envisage for NSW Health hospitals? What role can hospital administrators and policymakers play in shaping the future of hospital design and technology integration to ensure that advancements are effectively implemented and ethically managed? How will work and the workforce change in this harmony of advancements?

How can we work best with robots?

The future of work is not about humans being replaced by robots. Rather, it is about human-robot collaboration: humans learning to work alongside smart, automated technology that will augment our capabilities while allowing us to focus on uniquely human skills.

Robots are already here, working at NSW Health. They are used to support healthcare professionals, enhance patient care and streamline operations.

As we look to the future, here’s some examples of how robots are currently embedded in our system:

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) is home to the southern hemisphere’s only training institute for robotic surgery. RPA is also one of the only public tertiary referral hospitals in Australia with a Da Vinci Xi surgical robot. The surgical robot allows surgeons to work with greater precision, using less invasive incisions, resulting in better outcomes and improved recovery times.
A Robotic Surgical Assistant, known as ROSA, has been introduced to the theatres of the Nepean Hospital’s Orthopaedic Surgery department to deliver knee replacements with millimetre accuracy and offering improved recovery outcomes for patients.
The first of its kind in a NSW public hospital, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital’s robotic pharmacy can select and dispense medications and conduct stocktakes faster, reducing errors and wastage and allowing pharmacists to spend more time with patients.
State-of-the-art Forensic DNA robotics equipment has been installed at NSW Health Pathology’s Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS) in Lidcombe. The new technology will enable faster DNA testing to support intelligence-led policing and crime disruption strategies and is expected to become operational in 2025.

Human-robot collaboration can bring significant benefits to both employees and organisations. So, how can we best manage the integration of human-robot collaboration at NSW Health? How can the workforce be supported to stay ahead of such a significant shift? What strategies will be needed to foster a culture of inclusivity of robotic colleagues?