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2nd Annual CAO Conference Highlights the Importance of the Electronic Health Record for Research
On 14th November, 2024, the National Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Group hosted its second annual conference at O’Reilly Hall, UCD.
Co-hosted with the HSE and chaired by Professor Helen Whelton, Head of the College of Medicine and Health, UCC, the event focused on the transformative role of digital technologies in healthcare research, education, and patient care. The theme, Academic Health Science Systems in a Digital Age, drew academics, clinicians, policymakers, and industry leaders.
The conference highlighted the secondary uses of Electronic Health Record (EHR) data in research and innovation. Key speakers included HSE leaders, Department of Health representatives, and international experts such as Professor Andrew Taylor, Director of Innovation, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Professor Margot Verheijen, CIO, ETZ Hospital in the Netherlands.
Dr Mike O’Callaghan of the Irish College of General Practitioners stressed the need to harness EHR data without increasing GP teams’ administrative burden. With the Health Information Bill under review and EHR implementation targeted by 2030, Professor Whelton emphasised the vast potential of EHRs to enhance patient care, education, training, and research.
A recurring theme was the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare education. Speakers underscored the importance of equipping graduates for AI-driven workplaces, with UCC's Professor George Shorten showcasing augmented reality and data-driven training tools that prepare students for complex clinical environments.
Ireland’s transition to a Health Region structure marks a pivotal moment for healthcare. Professor Susa Benseler of Children’s Health Ireland highlighted the interconnection of research and care, reinforcing the need for an Academic Health Science System. International consensus positions EHRs as critical to advancing research and improving outcomes, making their adoption a cornerstone of innovation in Ireland’s healthcare system.
For further details, including copies of presentations and footage, contact Anna Toner, Academic Health Sciences Manager, CoMH, at anna.toner@ucc.ie.