The UQ Centre for Online Health were very proud to host the SFT-23 conference (27-29 Nov 2023) in Adelaide in partnership with the Australian Telehealth Society. SFT-23 welcomed over 190 delegates from Australia, and around the world. The 2½ day event included 84 presentations; two practical telehealth workshops (Introduction to Telehealth; and Telehealth Evaluation); posters; a trade exhibition; two excellent keynotes (see below); and an evening reception at the Glen Ewin Estate in the Adelaide Hills.
Thank you to our SFT-23 keynotes – Prof Jim Marcin (UC Davis, Sacramento) and Prof Tim Shaw (University of Sydney) for providing such valuable insights into the evidence-base for telehealth and virtual care services; equity and access priorities; sustainability; and the logistical challenges of accessing healthcare (and virtual care) from a consumer perspective. Very inspiring presentations!
Final reflections on the SFT-23 conference were very positive. It was clear that the focus has moved well away from COVID-19, as we address important issues related to sustainability of virtual care services; system requirements to promote hybrid models of care; the ‘consumer voice’ in determining how services are delivered; strategies to promote equity, and reduce the digital divide through more targeted digital health literacy efforts; workforce requirements; and the ongoing need for evidence to ensure services are clinically safe, effective and patient-centric.
Congratulations to our SFT-23 best paper award winners. All abstracts were peer-reviewed; and seven were selected for an award, based on overall scores. Categories included formal scientific research and clinical case studies/reports.
Thanks to our partners, sponsors, and exhibitors for their support of SFT-23: Business Events Adelaide, Government of South Australia, NBN (Bronze Sponsor), Belgravia eHealth, VisionFlex, UQ Centre for Online Health, the CRCNA, ATHS, and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.
If you happened to miss SFT-23 conference in Adelaide, you need to set yourself a reminder for SFT-24. The 2024 Successes and Failures in Telehealth conference will be held in Brisbane, Australia from 13-15 November 2024.
Abstract submissions for SFT-24 will be invited soon.
