Digital transformation in healthcare has been the talk of the town for a few years, and for a good reason. It’s revolutionising the way healthcare services are delivered—with better access, improved outcomes and reduced costs.
Thanks to artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data analytics, healthcare providers can diagnose and treat patients more accurately and efficiently than ever before.
In this article, let’s discuss how digital transformation is changing the healthcare landscape and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, we’ll examine how healthcare providers can leverage technology to enhance patient care.
Read along to learn more about the impact of digital transformation on the healthcare industry.
Digital transformation in healthcare
The use of technology in healthcare has been evolving for decades, with the first electronic medical records (EMRs) introduced in the 1970s and the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) in the 1990s. The advent of mobile technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) has only accelerated the pace.
And now, digital transformation is leading to the emergence of platform ecosystems. Digital platforms are changing the way healthcare is delivered, and the role patients play in their own health and well-being. A research paper reports platform ecosystems to be elemental in shaping the future of healthcare.
A range of digital platforms power the healthcare industry, like:
EHR platforms like Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts enable healthcare providers to share patient data and collaborate on patient care.
Telemedicine platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, and Doctor on Demand allow patients to receive remote consultations and treatment from healthcare providers.
Health information exchanges (HIEs) enable secure sharing of patient health information across different healthcare organisations and providers.
Wearable devices and mobile health (mHealth) apps/platforms allow patients to monitor their health and share data with healthcare providers.
AI-powered platforms analyse vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and improve diagnoses.
These platforms have enabled patients to receive more coordinated and personalised care, access healthcare services remotely, and receive faster and more accurate diagnoses. They also assist healthcare providers to collaborate, make better-informed treatment decisions and reduce costs by eliminating redundant tests and procedures.
Benefits of digital transformation in healthcare
Improved patient care
Telemedicine enables patients to receive timely care in the comfort of their own homes, reducing hospital readmissions by up to 18.2%.
EHRs provide doctors and nurses with real-time access to a patient’s medical histories, medication lists, and other important information, reducing medical errors by up to 83%.
Enhanced patient engagement
Wearable devices and mobile apps enable patients to track symptoms, monitor medications, and receive personalised guidance on lifestyle changes. They allow patients to take active participation in their health journey.
Studies found patients using wearable devices and mobile apps to manage their health are more likely to stick to their treatment plans and achieve better health outcomes.
Streamlined healthcare processes
Digital transformation tools like EHRs and telemedicine reduce paperwork and enable remote consultations, saving time and improving efficiency.
Improved healthcare analytics
Digital transformation tools assist in analysing medical images and diagnosing diseases. They provide insights into patient populations and treatment outcomes, allowing healthcare providers to make more informed decisions.
Cost savings and revenue generation
Digital transformation tools reduce healthcare costs by reducing hospital readmissions, medical errors, and paperwork. They also help generate new revenue streams through digital health services and products.
Challenges of digital transformation in healthcare
With numerous benefits, digital transformation also raises several concerns, like:
Cyber security risks
Healthcare data is a prime target for cybercriminals, and the risk of unauthorised access to patient data is a major concern.
Regulatory compliance
Compliance with regulations set by FDA and HIPAA is a challenge for smaller healthcare organisations with limited resources.
Lack of standardisation
The health industry currently lacks uniform standards to collect, store and share healthcare data, leading to interoperability issues and hindering the sharing of patient data between healthcare providers.
Resistance to change
Several healthcare professionals are reluctant to adopt new technologies as they’re unfamiliar with new systems and fear the impact on their workflows.
While these challenges are significant, they can be addressed through a combination of regulatory oversight, investment in cybersecurity, and education and training for healthcare professionals.
Future of digital transformation in healthcare
The future of digital transformation in the healthcare industry is both promising and challenging. While it has the potential to revolutionise patient care, improve outcomes, and reduce costs, it also poses risks such as job displacement, potential monopolies and privacy concerns.
However, the ground reality is that the industry is experiencing significant changes as platform ecosystems continue to expand. Eight new roles have emerged in the field, including information platform managers, data collection technologists, augmented and virtual reality providers, and cloud service providers.
The research paper indicates that digital transformation is leading to a plethora of novel market segments, generic roles and value streams as well as the blurring of the distinction between the healthcare and information technology industries.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, healthcare providers and organisations need to embrace the changes and adapt to the new landscape to provide the best possible care for patients.
