Sparked Bright Sparks: Liz Keen
Meet Liz Keen – Head of Clinical Governance – transformation and innovation, Infosys Consulting
With a background as a registered nurse and former rural ambulance officer, Liz brings a unique perspective where she champions clinical governance that enables digital transformation across the healthcare system. Liz brings a deep commitment to improving safety, quality, and connection across health systems and as a proud member of the Sparked community, she contributes to the collaboration between clinical and technical fields to help build a better future for healthcare in Australia.
We spoke to Liz about her involvement in the Sparked Community, here’s what she had to say!
❓What is your background?
I am a registered nurse (primary healthcare, UK and NZ) and ex-ambulance officer (Rural NZ). Now a specialist in the governance domain at the intersection of health+care and technology. Creating governance that enables innovation and transformation with the health+care sectors.
❓ How did you first hear about Sparked and what made you want to become involved?
It was born during my days at the Australian Digital Health Agency, so I was aware of it from its inception. I initially thought it wasn’t for me as I don’t consider myself to be ‘technical’, though became more curious after moving roles and decided to reach out to the Sparked team – and here I am!
❓ What do you see as the best outcomes that Sparked has delivered or is working towards?
Driving connection, between people and technology. People – through workshops and collaborations with Sparked itself, and technology – by elevating the need for a consistent way to communicate and share health information across the health+care sectors – ultimately improving the safety and quality of health+care.
❓ How is Sparked different to projects you’ve been involved in before?
It’s big on purpose! A national agenda with international influence, it brings together frontline, health+care, technical, and government people. Other countries are watching what we are doing.
❓ What is something you’ve learnt from being part of the Sparked community?
That bringing the technical and health+care worlds together works! It works for perspective, for collaboration and for innovation. I consider Sparked to be a part of the broader digital health community which is a vibrant and focused community to be a part of with a huge problem to help solve – to build sustainable health+care sectors.
❓ Can you share one of your favourite or memorable moments from participating in Sparked?
Interestingly, it is probably one that I wasn’t a part of. The two-day workshop in Adelaide. It hit my LinkedIn feed massively – it was wonderful to see what a success it was in moving the agenda forward and people connecting in real life. I feel there is a renewed appreciation for human connection.
❓ What excites you most about the future with Sparked?
Seamlessness. Whilst I know there is some conjecture about ‘needing seams’ and we that can’t actually be seamless. However, these seams should only exist from a technical perspective. What excites me is the momentum toward seamless, anytime access to my and my family’s health information. I don’t want to know or see seams when I or a family member travel through the health or care systems. Seamless information flow and care is both professionally meaningful and deeply personal. I’m proud to have contributed to the Sparked impact and keen to see Sparked help take it to the next level of seamlessness for the Australian community and the people that care for them!
❓ What’s something unexpected that you’ve learnt/been a part of/connected with through Sparked?
Unexpected – the number of cheesy plays on the concepts of Sparked and FHIR – but maybe that was to be expected!
❓ How would you explain Sparked to someone not yet involved?
A collaborative platform that connects health+care and technical professionals and innovators to co-designing solutions to improve the safety, quality and sustainability of Australia’s health+care systems.
❓ What piece of advice would you share to someone who may not yet be a part of Sparked?
Related to Sparked? Or just some random piece of advice… ? Sparked socks are super comfy! 😃 If you are even slightly curious – reach out to the Sparked team, get involved!!
❓ If you had to describe Sparked in three words, what would they be?
Interoptimised, Governance-ready, FHIRcracker 😉
❓ If Sparked had a theme song, what would it be?
Are there any left!? This has been seriously done at the workshops 😃
“High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco – Its complicated, but don’t give up. Legacy building, and hopeful!
❓ Describe Sparked using only emojis
🐨 ✨💡🤝🚀🌏🎯🎉
