Wednesday, 6 November, marked the start of the BMJ IHI International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare in Brisbane, Australia. We’re thrilled to welcome healthcare improvers, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world.

Over the next three days, we’ll exchange knowledge, explore innovative practices, and collaborate to drive meaningful improvements in patient care.

Our exciting programme kicks off with Experience Days and hands-on workshops, paving the way for keynote sessions, ePoster presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.

Whether you’re joining us in person or virtually, we look forward to connecting, learning, and making an impact together! For those unable to attend, you can live stream all of our keynote presentations on our website: https://internationalforum.bmj.com/brisbane/livestream/

Keynote 1: Welcome and opening address

Wednesday 6 November | 10:00-10:40

This stream includes:

Welcome to the conference from Helen Brown Clinical Excellence Queensland; Australia

Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

Welcome Address from Michael Walsh Queensland Health; Australia

Keynote 2: You’re already in a relationship with AI

Wednesday 6 November | 15:55-16:40 

This keynote features:

Liesl Yearsley CEO/Founder of Akin; Australia

Keynote 3: What matters most and what does it take to lead equity? – Stand firm and the waves will break 

Thursday 7 November | 09:00-10:35

This keynote session will offer a deep dive into the ‘what matters most and what does it take to lead equity?’. It will address critical issues of racism and cultural competency within the healthcare system and will provide a thought-provoking exploration of these complex topics through personal experiences and expert insights.

The talk will address the systemic challenges faced by marginalised communities and the importance of advocating for change and will promote creating a safe and inclusive environment for open dialogue about difficult topics.

Tanya Hosch Australian Football League; Australia

Debbie Sorensen Pasifika Medical Association Group of charitable companies; New Zealand

Facilitator: Kedar Mate Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI); USA

Keynote 4: Pushing boundaries: A journey of innovation and inspiration

Thursday 7 November | 16:15-16:50

This keynote session will challenge the status quo and inspire others to reach their full potential. As an athlete, mother, doctor and author, the speaker will share their story of overcoming obstacles and achieving the unexpected.

Through insights and anecdotes, you will hear how balancing diverse roles shaped the speaker’s journey. You will hear a story of perseverance, innovation, and human potential.

Jana Pittman Doctor, athlete, author; Australia

Keynote 5: Health workforce projections: A global call to action

Friday 8 November | 09:00-09:50 

This keynote session will explore the latest demographic, consumer, and social trends shaping our world.

Simon will provide valuable insights into these interconnected areas, offering a comprehensive understanding of the forces driving change to enable us to push boundaries

  • Gain a deeper understanding of emerging demographic shifts and their implications.
  • Explore evolving consumer behaviours and preferences.
  • Analyse the impact of social trends on industries and society.
  • Discover how these trends intersect and influence each other.

Simon Kuestenmacher The Demographics Group; Australia

Keynote 6: Now what? Are we pushing boundaries?

Friday 8 November | 15:05-16:15

In today’s rapidly changing world, innovation is crucial to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

This keynote will explore how we can embrace new approaches to ensure everyone receives the high-quality care they deserve, now and in the future. We will discuss the importance of addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in providing healthcare to rural and remote communities, and explore how to integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into modern healthcare systems to promote equity and cultural sensitivity.

Leadership plays a critical role in driving meaningful change in healthcare. We will discuss the leadership qualities necessary to address health disparities and create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system

Kedar Mate President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), USA