Professor James Boyd is a renowned data linkage expert who leads La Trobe’s Digital Health strategy. In conversation with DHCRC he shares his passion for big data and his focus on research that delivers real-world impact.
How did you get into digital health and tell us about your career journey to date?
My career has been deeply rooted in the power of data to transform healthcare. For over twenty-five years, I’ve worked across government and health organisations, including various roles within the National Health Service in Scotland (NHS), the Scottish Government, Curtin University, and now La Trobe University.
La Trobe University’s foresight in establishing the Chair in Digital Health in 2019, a position I’m privileged to hold, allowed us to build a dedicated team and develop a robust research and education program. This foresight proved invaluable when the pandemic hit, and digital health solutions, particularly virtual care models, became essential for maintaining healthcare services. During that period, we also developed postgraduate courses in Digital Health to meet the growing demand for expertise in this field.
A core focus throughout my career has been working with large, national population-based health administrative datasets – what we now call “big data” – to drive innovation in the public sector and industry. I’m passionate about the potential of big data and have become a recognised data linkage expert.
What have been the most significant changes you’ve seen during your time in digital health?
The landscape of digital health has transformed dramatically over the past decades.
One of the most significant shifts has been the rapid acceleration of telehealth adoption. While virtual consultations and remote monitoring were gaining traction pre-pandemic, COVID-19 acted as a catalyst, pushing these technologies into the mainstream. This sudden surge in usage has not only improved access to care, particularly for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges, but has also normalised the concept of virtual healthcare for both patients and providers.
Another key change has been the rise of big data analytics in healthcare. The sheer volume of health data available today, from electronic health records to wearable sensor data, has created unprecedented opportunities. Researchers can now leverage sophisticated analytical tools to identify patterns, trends, and insights that were previously hidden. This has led to advancements in disease prevention, more accurate diagnoses, and the development of personalized treatment plans. The ability to analyse vast datasets is revolutionising our understanding of health and disease.
Beyond the technological advancements, there’s been a growing emphasis on patient-centred care. Digital health tools have made it easier for patients to access their own health information, actively participate in their treatment decisions, and communicate more effectively with their healthcare providers. This shift towards patient empowerment is crucial for improving engagement and ultimately, leading to better health outcomes.
What are some of the most pressing challenges (or biggest opportunities) facing the sector today?
A critical challenge lies in data access and the role of data custodians. Researchers and innovators often face significant hurdles in gaining access to the data they need to develop and implement digital health solutions. Data custodians, while understandably focused on protecting patient privacy, sometimes create overly restrictive access policies. Lengthy application processes, complex approval workflows, and a general lack of transparency can significantly delay or even prevent crucial research. Striking a balance between protecting privacy and facilitating access for legitimate research purposes is a delicate but necessary task.
Streamlining data access procedures, establishing clear guidelines, and fostering greater collaboration between researchers and data custodians are essential for unlocking the full potential of health data.
Another major challenge lies in interoperability. Healthcare systems often rely on disparate technologies that struggle to communicate with each other. This lack of seamless data exchange hinders care coordination, making it difficult for providers to access complete patient histories and potentially leading to medical errors. Establishing robust interoperability standards and creating systems that can share information seamlessly is a priority.
Tell us about your work with the Digital Health CRC?
One of the most satisfying research project has been working with the team at Northern Health to support the development of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED). The VVED, a pioneering virtual care initiative initiated during the pandemic, offers virtual consultations with emergency physicians, aiming to provide timely care, particularly for patients with less critical conditions who might otherwise face long waits in traditional emergency departments.
In partnership with the Victorian Department of Health, Northern Health and La Trobe University, the DHCRC funded an evaluation of the VVED. This evaluation aimed to understand the effectiveness and impact of this innovative approach to emergency care.
The findings from this DHCRC-funded evaluation have been important for informing the future development and implementation of virtual emergency care models, not just in Victoria, but potentially across Australia and beyond. As well as research projects, the Digital Health CRC has invested in the future of healthcare through its education and training program. Focusing on innovative learning opportunities, the DHCRC is upskilling the current workforce and nurturing the next generation of digital health leaders. A key initiative is the development of micro-credentials, particularly in high-demand areas like telehealth in partnership with WACHS.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m particularly interested in seeing how virtual care models continue to evolve. We’ve made significant strides, but there’s still room for refinement, especially in tailoring these models to specific patient populations and health conditions. Wider adoption of evidence-based virtual care pathways is crucial. As a data person, I’m also eager to see progress in data integration and interoperability. Creating a more seamless and secure flow of information is essential for both research and improved patient care. We need systems that can talk to each other effectively and securely.
Ultimately, what excites me most is seeing our research translate into real-world impact. That’s the core of what we do. I want to see innovative technologies, like remote physiological devices, truly make a difference in people’s lives. These devices, allowing continuous monitoring from home, have huge potential for early detection, personalised treatment, and proactive interventions, especially for managing chronic conditions. Improved access to care, particularly for those in remote areas or with mobility limitations, is another key area where these technologies can play a transformative role.
