Digital Transformation in Healthcare

From handling finances and travel portals to personalized shopping, technology has been transforming all elements of our lives; healthcare is no different. However, there remains ample opportunities for the integration of technology in the medical field.

Developing a patient-centered approach to treatment in healthcare depends first on digital transformation in healthcare.. It helps medical professionals to better grasp patient demands, simplify processes, establish confidence, and give a better user experience.

According to a Deloitte report, digital transformation in healthcare has helped over 92% of firms and healthcare professionals operate better. These are indeed impressive statistics. This emphasizes the indisputable influence that services related to digital transformation services may have on the sector. It gives medical professionals creative tools to fully exploit technological developments.

Furthermore, PR Newswire estimates that the worldwide digital healthcare industry is expected to grow to $504.4 billion by 2025. Understanding contemporary digital health platforms and how they could revolutionize the healthcare industry will help one to maximize this trend.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the key aspects of digital transformation in healthcare industry.

Healthcare’s Shift to the Digital Age

Once managed exclusively by highly skilled experts, technological developments are changing the healthcare industry. These developments are allowing digital transformation in healthcare and therefore improving the results for patients and healthcare practitioners alike. A Deloitte study indicates that 88% of healthcare technology executives and experts believe their investments are mostly focused on improving the patient experience as technology gets increasingly included in healthcare.

The same research also suggests that a patient-centric business model is helping roughly 92% of healthcare companies target improved performance. This change emphasizes how urgently digital transformation services are becoming relevant in the medical field.

Global Industry Insights, Inc. projects that the global digital healthcare industry will be valued at $504.4 billion by 2025. This is unambiguous evidence that the healthcare sector is aggressively looking for technical solutions to propel change as it understands the revolutionary possibilities of digital transformation in healthcare.

Whether your position is that of a doctor, nurse, hospital administrator, or member of the caregiving team, remaining current with the continuous digital change in healthcare is very vital.

Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Digital transformation in healthcare refers to the application of integrated application of digital technology, data analytics, and revolutionary procedures for enhancing the delivery of healthcare services. It's about overhauling the whole system to make treatment more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered, not only about picking new tools.

The digital revolution in healthcare encompasses important elements.

• Telemedicine
• Electronic health records (EHR)
• Data analytics: 
• Wearable appliances 
• Artificial intelligence

Although the digital transformation in healthcare depends on these technologies, their implementation extends beyond the application of new tools. It necessitates a shift in organizational strategy, thereby modifying administrative and clinical procedures. The objectives are to increase output and promote closer interaction between patients and healthcare professionals.

Efficient Healthcare Digitization: How Clarion Technologies Delivered a Vital Records Solution

The City Records Department, USA (managed and preserved medical records for easy access) sought a quick and dependable solution for the difficult chore of digitizing millions of physical vital records. Using powerful optical character recognition (OCR) technology and automated data processing tools, Clarion overcomes obstacles like inconsistent data formats, human data entry bottlenecks, and record degradation. This method preserved important historical data while standardizing records into a single digital format, therefore simplifying the whole digitizing process. Clarion's knowledge not only guaranteed data security and accuracy but also made them a reliable partner in advancing healthcare digital transformation.

Key Drivers of Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Change never occurs by itself. Numerous factors have influenced the healthcare sector's shift towards digital solutions. Knowing these factors helps one to explain why digital transformation in healthcare has become so common. The main causes driving this movement are these:

Development Technologies

Technological developments during the last year have been a breakthrough that will put the idea of a completely linked world nearer reality. Healthcare is poised for upheaval by technologies like big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are propelling the digital transformation in healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence

By automating chores like record-keeping and lowering the possibility of human mistake, artificial intelligence is causing waves in healthcare. Beyond that, the application of artificial intelligence extends to the creation of customized therapy regimens and predictive diagnoses. Artificial intelligence healthcare chatbots are also becoming a widespread tool for patient connection, service simplification, and access enhancement.

Internet of Things

IoT devices have significant promise in the medical sector already. For example, health wearables may gather vital biometric data, allowing for more precise patient profiles and real-time monitoring. IoT-connected gadgets will shortly maximize operations in hospitals by offering real-time data that may guide better, quicker decision-making.

Robotics

Robotic medicine is revolutionizing surgery. Using sophisticated robotic equipment, surgeons will shortly carry out difficult operations with accuracy, even remotely. This will transform surgery practices and increase the availability of life-saving treatments.

3D Printing

With 3D printing in healthcare, the opportunities are almost infinite. From developing individualized implants to building custom prostheses, this technology is expanding medical treatment and patient care possibilities.

These are just a few examples of how technology is driving the digital transformation in healthcare. Other technologies, like big data for thorough patient profiles and tailored therapy, cloud computing for remote care, and blockchain for verified, safe health data, are also playing important roles. The terrain of digital healthcare will keep changing as inventions develop, offering even more transforming opportunities.

Revised Guidelines and Motives

Regulations are rapidly changing to keep up with the increasing reliance of patients on digital healthcare and the increasing use of digital solutions by providers. From the United States to Europe and Asia, governments are rewarding healthcare providers to use digital technology, therefore hastening this change all around.

Changing Demographics and Patient Expectations

The ultimate aim of healthcare is to provide medical treatments where patients need them. Most patients nowadays are online; hence, digital healthcare is not only a convenience but also a need. Given over 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, everyone will inevitably need medical treatments at some point.

Many patients arrange appointments, study physicians, and compare medical facilities online already. The demand for telemedicine services surged during the epidemic and continues to rise even after its decline.

An August 2022 poll found that Indian customers' telemedicine use has increased amid the COVID-19 epidemic. During that period, almost 22% of respondents started utilizing telemedicine for physical health, and 33% resorted to it for mental health treatments.

Particularly eager to embrace digital healthcare solutions are younger generations, including Millennials and Gen-Z. The movement for digital transformation in healthcare will only get more intense as these populations age.

Benefits of Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Adopting digital healthcare has more causes than merely government subsidies and incentives. Accepting this change benefits patients as well as healthcare providers.

Digital transformation gives doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers several benefits:

• Reduced documentation, increased data access, and accelerated patient evaluations help simplify processes.
• Remote doctor-patient correspondence becomes increasingly practical and easily available.
• Easy information interchange and teamwork among medical staff members improve the standard of treatment.
• A safe digital database lets one properly handle and save electronic health records.

Patients also experience significant benefits from digital transformation in healthcare:

• They receive personalized care tailored to their individual needs.
• Real-time tracking of vital health metrics becomes possible.
• Access to personal health records is simpler and more convenient.
• Scheduling making appointments is becoming simpler and more flexible.

Simply put, digital transformation in healthcare changes the whole experience and increases efficiency, accessibility, and security for all those engaged.

Challenges in Digital Transformational for Healthcare

Though the healthcare sector offers evident benefits, relative to other industries, it has been slower to adopt digital technology. Many obstacles still hinder development. Let's investigate the main obstacles to digital transformation in the medical field.

Privacy and Security Issue

Given patient data is among the most sensitive information, it is not surprising that privacy and cybersecurity rank first among issues in digital healthcare. Despite the widespread use of ERP systems in healthcare environments, they often fail to meet the stringent security requirements. Choosing digital solutions that follow laws and guard patient information is really vital.

Healthcare Organization Resistance to Change

Among the oldest professions is healthcare; many companies have firmly established customs spanning decades, even centuries. This naturally makes them reluctant to implement the broad changes that digital transformation demands. For organizations that are rooted in long-standing policies, the idea of completely redesigning current systems may be daunting.

Interoperability Concerns

Interoperability presents a difficulty for those opposed to change. Many healthcare institutions rely on outdated systems, which may not be compatible with the latest digital technology. Moreover, the digital healthcare scene is full of different platforms, which might make information exchange between them less smooth than it ought to be.

Staff Shortages

Historically, two separate disciplines with minimal interaction were IT and healthcare. Digital transformation has, however, dissolved such boundaries and called for healthcare workers to acquire expertise with digital tools and technology. For many, this is a slow change; a major obstacle is the lack of personnel skilled in both digital technology and healthcare.

How to Get Beyond Obstacles in Digital Healthcare Transformation

Not only are these obstacles dragging down the evolution of digital healthcare, but others also add complications of managing a remote workforce, antiquated payer models, and data silos. Still, with the correct strategy, one may overcome these challenges.

Establishing a chief technology officer (CTO) to spearhead the effort to implement digital solutions in line with the objectives of the company is an essential first step. This individual can help guarantee the effective implementation of the correct technology.

Driving the digital transformation of healthcare ahead depends equally on staff training investments, patient-friendly digital infrastructure creation, and keeping current with health tech developments.

Digital Healthcare Solutions: Practical Use Cases and Examples

It is abundantly evident by now that digital transformation in healthcare offers medical departments a complete means of patient health management and monitoring. At the center of this change is the use of creative IT solutions meant to increase patient care, compliance, and core work efficiency while simultaneously lowering costs. Let's delve into some real-life examples of how digital transformation is revolutionizing medical practice.

1. Automation

For the healthcare sector, automation now changes everything. Valued at $119.78 billion in 2022, the worldwide artificial intelligence industry is expected to rise at an amazing CAGR of 38% through 2030. These figures indicate that healthcare, which uses automation to streamline processes, will soon widely adopt artificial intelligence across various sectors.

By automating repetitive operations, hospitals can save time and expenses, enabling them to do more with fewer personnel. Automation translates for patients into shorter hospital stays and better treatment. Specifically, automation in healthcare leads to:

• Improved patient safety
• Increased efficiency
• Better access to care
• Greater patient engagement

2. Connected Ambulances

For healthcare professionals, a connected ambulance functions as additional hands. Using wearables, sensors, and HD cameras, these ambulances gather and relay critical medical data back to the hospital while the patient is on route. Therefore, these ambulances equip doctors with all necessary information even before the patient arrives.

The benefits of connected ambulances include:

• Providing real-time care
• Maintaining constant connectivity with the hospital
• Virtually transporting doctors to the ambulance
• Using transformative technology

3. On-demand Healthcare Solutions

Healthcare is no exception in a society where on-demand services are the standard. On-demand healthcare solutions are meeting patients' instant need for access to treatment.

Imagine having a high fever—instead of waiting for a doctor's availability—you could quickly make an appointment at your leisure with a few clicks. On-demand healthcare offers:

• Reduced paperwork
• Instant access to medical care
• A hassle-free experience
• More effective patient interactions

4. Telemedicine and Virtual Visits

One of the most significant developments in healthcare today is the rise of virtual medical visits. By means of phone or video conferences, telemedicine lets people interact with their physicians, therefore combining convenience with efficient treatment.

Future industry insights project that, with yearly growth of 24%, the telemedicine and telehealth industry will reach $912 billion by 2033. Many benefits of telemedicine include:

• Comfort and convenience
• Better control of infectious diseases
• Enhanced assessments
• Improved management of chronic conditions and primary care

5. Patient Portals

Patient portals give people an easy way to view their medical information, schedule appointments, and maybe get electronic medications. These portals improve the whole experience by simplifying contact between patients and healthcare professionals.

With patient portals, you can:

• Receive test results and updates quickly
• Ask questions or update personal information
• Schedule appointments and make payments online
• Facilitate telemedicine by enabling communication through messages or video calls
• Increase patient engagement and office efficiency

Health Wearables

Health wearables are another powerful example of how IT is transforming healthcare. These devices monitor and collect data on health metrics like heart rate and physical activity. Real-time transmission of this data to a doctor enables proactive digital healthcare management by means of which one can prevent diseases.

As patients participate more actively in tracking their health, wearables are becoming more and more common. The need for dependable, real-time health data drives the explosion of wearable medical equipment. Wearables offer the following benefits:

• Lower healthcare costs
• Greater patient engagement
• A shift toward proactive healthcare
• Reduced workload for medical staff

These illustrations show how digital healthcare solutions are shaping the future and increasing patient-centered, efficient, accessible treatment by means of their shaping effect. 

Strategies for Successful Digital Healthcare Transformation Implementation

Any healthcare company intending a digital transformation must have a well-defined plan if it is to succeed. Although digital healthcare solutions can bring about significant improvements, these will only be effective if they complement a well-considered plan.

Here's a detailed road map to help you through the digital healthcare transition if your company is ready to welcome it.

Evaluate Present Systems and Point Up Needs

You really should review your present systems before plunging into new technologies. Examine closely the tech stack now in use. Talk to stakeholders about how they apply the present tools, why they depend on them, and where they fall short. This evaluation will point up the areas that require work and guide your future actions.

Create a road plan and digital strategy

After conducting system assessments, it's time to develop a digital plan. Your plan should establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate progress and clearly state your future goal. Divide the transformation process into reasonable stages that let the company undergo slow but notable adjustments all around. This road map will help your staff move through every phase of the change and guarantee consistent development.

Select appropriate technology solutions and partners

Not every hospital has an internal IT specialist qualified to spearhead a digital revolution. In such a scenario, it is crucial to choose the appropriate outside partner. Search for a technology partner who can suggest the finest digital healthcare solutions, maximizing advantages for your team and patients by knowing the particular demands of your company.

Pilot and rollout digital initiatives

It is wise to test new technologies in pilot projects before their complete adoption. List certain applications and test several platforms and solutions. Before committing to a full-scale implementation, this will enable you to ascertain which technologies are best suited and effective for your company.

Track and assess developments

Digital transformation is an ongoing process, not a one-time occurrence. Track how new digital tools are performing constantly and routinely assess their performance in terms of achieving the objectives of your company. Stay adaptable; if certain ideas aren't functioning as intended, don't hesitate to turn around and investigate fresh possibilities.

Following this method helps healthcare companies to accomplish a more effective digital transition, thereby improving operational efficiency and patient care.

Parting Thoughts

To successfully transition into a digital healthcare provider, most organizations will need guidance. That’s where Clarion’s digital transformation consultancy comes in. With deep expertise in the healthcare sector, Clarion helps medical providers speed up the adoption of digital healthcare technologies and services. Their extensive experience includes creating medical data systems, developing hospital management software, and designing dental clinic platforms.

Clarion is committed to reshaping how healthcare is delivered and experienced, reimagining the future for both providers and patients alike.